Uniform films for rapid dissolve dosage form incorporating taste-masking compositions

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to rapid dissolve thin film drug delivery compositions for the oral administration of active components. The active components are provided as taste-masked or controlled-release coated particles uniformly distributed throughout the film composition. The compositions may be formed by wet casting methods, where the film is cast and controllably dried, or alternatively by an extrusion method.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/775,848, filed Jul. 10, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/768,809, filed Jan. 30, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No.7,357,891, which claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No.60/443,741 filed Jan. 30, 2003; U.S. application Ser. No. 10/768,809 isalso a continuation-in-part of PCT/US02/32575, filed Oct. 11, 2002,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/386,937,filed Jun. 7, 2002, and U.S. application Ser. No. 10/074,272, filed Feb.14, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,425,292, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/328,868, filed Oct. 12, 2001; U.S.application Ser. No. 10/768,809 is also a continuation-in-part ofPCT/US02/32594, filed Oct. 11, 2002, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/414,276, filed Sep. 27, 2002, U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/386,937, filed Jun. 7, 2002, and U.S.application Ser. No. 10/074,272, filed Feb. 14, 2002, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/328,868, filed Oct. 12,2001; and U.S. application Ser. No. 10/768,809 is also acontinuation-in-part of PCT/US02/32542, filed Oct. 11, 2002, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/386,937, filedJun. 7, 2002, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/371,940, filed Apr.11, 2002, and U.S. application Ser. No. 10/074,272, filed Feb. 14, 2002,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/328,868,filed Oct. 12, 2001; U.S. application Ser. No. 11/775,848 is also acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/856,176, filed May28, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,666,337, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/473,902, filed May 28, 2003; U.S.application Ser. No. 10/856,176 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/768,809; the contents all of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to rapidly dissolving films and methods oftheir preparation. The films contain a polymer component and activeingredients as taste-masked or controlled-release coated particlesuniformly distributed throughout the film.

BACKGROUND OF THE RELATED TECHNOLOGY

Active ingredients, such as drugs or pharmaceuticals, may be prepared ina tablet form to allow for accurate and consistent dosing. However, thisform of preparing and dispensing medications has many disadvantagesincluding that a large proportion of adjuvants that must be added toobtain a size able to be handled, that a larger medication form requiresadditional storage space, and that dispensing includes counting thetablets which has a tendency for inaccuracy. In addition, many persons,estimated to be as much as 28% of the population, have difficultyswallowing tablets. While tablets may be broken into smaller pieces oreven crushed as a means of overcoming swallowing difficulties, this isnot a suitable solution for many tablet or pill forms. For example,crushing or destroying the tablet or pill form to facilitate ingestion,alone or in admixture with food, may also destroy the controlled releaseproperties.

As an alternative to tablets and pills, films may be used to carryactive ingredients such as drugs, pharmaceuticals, and the like.However, historically films and the process of making drug deliverysystems therefrom have suffered from a number of unfavorablecharacteristics that have not allowed them to be used in practice.

Films that incorporate a pharmaceutically active ingredient aredisclosed in expired U.S. Pat. No. 4,136,145 to Fuchs, et al. (“Fuchs”).These films may be formed into a sheet, dried and then cut intoindividual doses. The Fuchs disclosure alleges the fabrication of auniform film, which includes the combination of water-soluble polymers,surfactants, flavors, sweeteners, plasticizers and drugs. Theseallegedly flexible films are disclosed as being useful for oral, topicalor enteral use. Examples of specific uses disclosed by Fuchs includeapplication of the films to mucosal membrane areas of the body,including the mouth, rectal, vaginal, nasal and ear areas.

Examination of films made in accordance with the process disclosed inFuchs, however, reveals that such films suffer from the aggregation orconglomeration of particles, i.e., self-aggregation, making theminherently non-uniform. This result can be attributed to Fuchs' processparameters, which although not disclosed likely include the use ofrelatively long drying times, thereby facilitating intermolecularattractive forces, convection forces, air flow and the like to form suchagglomeration.

The formation of agglomerates randomly distributes the film componentsand any active present as well. When large dosages are involved, a smallchange in the dimensions of the film would lead to a large difference inthe amount of active per film. If such films were to include low dosagesof active, it is possible that portions of the film may be substantiallydevoid of any active. Since sheets of film are usually cut into unitdoses, certain doses may therefore be devoid of or contain aninsufficient amount of active for the recommended treatment. Failure toachieve a high degree of accuracy with respect to the amount of activeingredient in the cut film can be harmful to the patient. For thisreason, dosage forms formed by processes such as Fuchs, would not likelymeet the stringent standards of governmental or regulatory agencies,such as the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (“FDA”), relating to thevariation of active in dosage forms. Currently, as required by variousworld regulatory authorities, dosage forms may not vary more than 10% inthe amount of active present. When applied to dosage units based onfilms, this virtually mandates that uniformity in the film be present.

The problems of self-aggregation leading to non-uniformity of a filmwere addressed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,849,246 to Schmidt (“Schmidt”).Schmidt specifically pointed out that the methods disclosed by Fuchs didnot provide a uniform film and recognized that that the creation of anon-uniform film necessarily prevents accurate dosing, which asdiscussed above is especially important in the pharmaceutical area.Schmidt abandoned the idea that a mono-layer film, such as described byFuchs, may provide an accurate dosage form and instead attempted tosolve this problem by forming a multi-layered film. Moreover, hisprocess is a multi-step process that adds expense and complexity and isnot practical for commercial use.

Other U.S. patents directly addressed the problems of particleself-aggregation and non-uniformity inherent in conventional filmforming techniques. In one attempt to overcome non-uniformity, U.S. Pat.No. 5,629,003 to Horstmann et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,430 to Zerbeet al. incorporated additional ingredients, i.e. gel formers andpolyhydric alcohols respectively, to increase the viscosity of the filmprior to drying in an effort to reduce aggregation of the components inthe film. These methods have the disadvantage of requiring additionalcomponents, which translates to additional cost and manufacturing steps.Furthermore, both methods employ the use the conventional time-consumingdrying methods such as a high-temperature air-bath using a drying oven,drying tunnel, vacuum drier, or other such drying equipment. The longlength of drying time aids in promoting the aggregation of the activeand other adjuvant, notwithstanding the use of viscosity modifiers. Suchprocesses also run the risk of exposing the active, i.e., a drug, orvitamin C, or other components to prolonged exposure to moisture andelevated temperatures, which may render it ineffective or even harmful.

In addition to the concerns associated with degradation of an activeduring extended exposure to moisture, the conventional drying methodsthemselves are unable to provide uniform films. The length of heatexposure during conventional processing, often referred to as the “heathistory”, and the manner in which such heat is applied, have a directeffect on the formation and morphology of the resultant film product.Uniformity is particularly difficult to achieve via conventional dryingmethods where a relatively thicker film, which is well-suited for theincorporation of a drug active, is desired. Thicker uniform films aremore difficult to achieve because the surfaces of the film and the innerportions of the film do not experience the same external conditionssimultaneously during drying. Thus, observation of relatively thickfilms made from such conventional processing shows a non-uniformstructure caused by convection and intermolecular forces and requiresgreater than 10% moisture to remain flexible. The amount of freemoisture can often interfere over time with the drug leading to potencyissues and therefore inconsistency in the final product.

Conventional drying methods generally include the use of forced hot airusing a drying oven, drying tunnel, and the like. The difficulty inachieving a uniform film is directly related to the rheologicalproperties and the process of water evaporation in the film-formingcomposition. When the surface of an aqueous polymer solution iscontacted with a high temperature air current, such as a film-formingcomposition passing through a hot air oven, the surface water isimmediately evaporated forming a polymer film or skin on the surface.This seals the remainder of the aqueous film-forming composition beneaththe surface, forming a barrier through which the remaining water mustforce itself as it is evaporated in order to achieve a dried film. Asthe temperature outside the film continues to increase, water vaporpressure builds up under the surface of the film, stretching the surfaceof the film, and ultimately ripping the film surface open allowing thewater vapor to escape. As soon as the water vapor has escaped, thepolymer film surface reforms, and this process is repeated, until thefilm is completely dried. The result of the repeated destruction andreformation of the film surface is observed as a “ripple effect” whichproduces an uneven, and therefore non-uniform film. Frequently,depending on the polymer, a surface will seal so tightly that theremaining water is difficult to remove, leading to very long dryingtimes, higher temperatures, and higher energy costs.

Other factors, such as mixing techniques, also play a role in themanufacture of a pharmaceutical film suitable for commercialization andregulatory approval. Air can be trapped in the composition during themixing process or later during the film making process, which can leavevoids in the film product as the moisture evaporates during the dryingstage. The film frequently collapse around the voids resulting in anuneven film surface and therefore, non-uniformity of the final filmproduct. Uniformity is still affected even if the voids in the filmcaused by air bubbles do not collapse. This situation also provides anon-uniform film in that the spaces, which are not uniformlydistributed, are occupying area that would otherwise be occupied by thefilm composition. None of the above-mentioned patents either addressesor proposes a solution to the problems caused by air that has beenintroduced to the film.

Therefore, there is a need for methods and compositions for filmproducts, which use a minimal number of materials or components, andwhich provide a substantially non-self-aggregating uniform heterogeneitythroughout the area of the films. Desirably, such films are producedthrough a selection of a polymer or combination of polymers that willprovide a desired viscosity, a film-forming process such as reverse rollcoating, and a controlled, and desirably rapid, drying process whichserves to maintain the uniform distribution of non-self-aggregatedcomponents without the necessary addition of gel formers or polyhydricalcohols and the like which appear to be required in the products andfor the processes of prior patents, such as the aforementioned Horstmannand Zerbe patents. Desirably, the films will also incorporatecompositions and methods of manufacture that substantially reduce oreliminate air in the film, thereby promoting uniformity in the finalfilm product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, this invention provides rapid-dissolve film products fordrug delivery whereby the active agents are taste-masked orcontrolled-release coated particles uniformly distributed throughout thefilm. The uniform films of this invention can be divided into equallysized dosage units having substantially equal amounts of eachcompositional component present. This advantage is particularly usefulbecause it permits large area films to be initially formed, andsubsequently cut into individual dosage units without concern forwhether each unit is compositionally equal. Pharmaceutical film dosageforms to date have not been marketed largely due to the inability toachieve this result. Thus, for example, the films of the presentinvention have particular applicability as pharmaceutical dosagedelivery systems because each dosage unit, e.g., each individual dosagefilm unit, will contain the proper predetermined amount of drug.

In a further aspect of the present invention, methods of forming thefilms of this invention are provided, by wet casting methods and hotmelt extrusion methods. In a wet casting method, the film product isformed by combining a polymer and a polar solvent, forming thecombination into a film, and drying the film in a controlled manner.Preferably, the film is dried initially only applying heat to the bottomside of the film, in order to maintain a non-self-aggregating uniformheterogeneity. Desirably, during the initial bottom drying stage,substantially no convection currents, i.e., hot air currents, arepermitted to travel across the top of the film until the visco-elasticproperties of the film are such that the film components are “locked” inplace and cannot move to cause non-uniformity. At that stage, othermethods of heating to effect drying may be employed.

The films may be formed with a polar solvent which may be water, a polarorganic solvent, or a combination thereof. An active ingredient may beadded to the polymer and water combination prior to the drying step.Alternatively, or in addition to controlling the drying the film, thepolymer may be selected in order to provide a viscosity that maintainsthe non-self-aggregating uniform heterogeneity. Moreover, thecomposition desirably is mixed in a manner to minimize the incorporationof air into the mixture and is desirably deaerated, such as byconditioning at room temperature, vacuum treatment or the like, to allowtrapped air to escape prior to the drying process. This serves toeliminate bubble and void formation in the final film product, therebyfurther improving uniformity. Reverse roll coating is one particularlyuseful coating technique may also be used to form the film.

Another embodiment of the present invention may include a rapid-dissolvefilm product containing at least one water-soluble polymer includingpolyethylene oxide alone or in combination with a hydrophilic cellulosicpolymer, wherein the film product may be free of added plasticizers.Preferably, the rapid-dissolve film product includes at least onewater-soluble polymer containing about 20% to 100% by weightpolyethylene oxide, about 0% to 80% by weight hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and about 0% to 80% by weight hydroxypropyl cellulose; anactive component; sweetener; at least one flavoring; and at least onecolorant, wherein the film product optionally is free of addedplasticizers, surfactants, and polyalcohols.

In another aspect of the present invention, the films employingpolyethylene oxide as the film-forming polymer may be formed by a hotmelt extrusion process, whereby an edible film-forming polymer isprovided, and active components are added during manufacture, and themixture is blended at elevated temperature in the absence of additionalsolvent to form a uniform matrix, and extruded to form a film.Desirably, the film will be further shaped by rollers to a specifiedthickness, and allowed to cool and harden to form a self supportingfilm. A particularly desirable film forming polymer for extrusionmanufacture is polyethylene oxide, which is heated to about 65° C. toabout 80° C. during blending to provide a pliable uniform matrix. Theextrusion may be accomplished with a single screw extrusion apparatus orother suitable extrusion apparatus.

A particular advantage of the aforementioned extrusion processes whenemployed with particulate coated active ingredients is that the absenceof additional solvent during the manufacturing process lessens thelikelihood of dissolution or release of the taste-masked orcontrolled-release coated active agent during manufacture due todissolution or solvent effects.

Another aspect of the present invention provides films containing coatedparticles that include an active agent and a taste-masking and/orcontrolled-release coating. Accordingly, there is provided a drugdelivery composition that includes (i) a flowable water-soluble filmforming matrix; (ii) a particulate bioeffecting agent uniformlystationed therein; and (iii) a taste-masking agent or controlled-releaseagent coated or intimately associated with the particulate to providetaste-masking of the bioeffecting agent. In some embodiments, thecombined particulate and taste-masking agent have a particle size of 200microns or less and the flowable water-soluble film forming matrix iscapable of being dried without loss of uniformity in the stationing ofthe particulate bioeffecting agent therein.

In some other embodiments, the taste-masking or controlled-releasecoated particles may have a particle size of 50 to 250 microns, and theflowable water-soluble film forming matrix is capable of being driedwithout loss of uniformity in the stationing of the particulatebioeffecting agent therein. The importance of particle size isheightened in orally ingestible thin films, where uniformity is also ofparticular importance, and the prior art has failed to recognize suchcritically important features.

Desirably, the size of the combined particulate and taste-masking agenthave a particle size of 150 microns or less, or 100 microns or less. Theflowable water-soluble film forming matrix is formable into a dry filmof less than about 380 microns in thickness, for example less than about250 microns in thickness. Desirably, the coated particles are embeddedentirely within the finished films. In other words the dry films of thepresent invention desirably have smooth surfaces free of exposed agentsor coated particles that could impart grittiness or maldistribution ofthe active. Thus, in one aspect of the invention there is provided afilm vehicle which contains a uniform distribution of actives, asdefined herein, being suitably free of particles which accumulate on thefilm surface when dried.

Desirably, the taste-masking or controlled-release agent is a thin filmcoating over portions of the bioeffecting agent. Useful taste-maskingagents include polymeric materials. Water-soluble polymers are alsouseful. Desirably, the water-soluble polymer has an average molecularweight of equal to or greater than about 40,000. Furthermore,water-soluble polymers may be acrylic polymers, cellulosic polymers, andcombinations thereof. Additionally, vinyl polymers, crown ethers,hydrogenated oils and waxes, and combinations thereof may also be usedas taste-masking agents.

In some embodiments described herein, a thin film drug deliverycomposition includes: (a) an edible water-soluble film forming matrix;and (b) a coated particulate active component uniformly stationedtherein, wherein the coating on the particulate active component is ataste-masking or controlled-release agent and wherein the coatedparticulate active component has a particle size of 50 to 250 micronsand is uniformly distributed in the film composition.

In some other embodiments, there is provided a thin film drug deliverycomposition, which includes: (a) an edible water-soluble film formingmatrix including at least one water-soluble polymer includingpolyethylene oxide alone or in combination with a hydrophilic cellulosicpolymer; and (b) a coated particulate active component uniformlystationed therein, wherein the coating on the particulate activecomponent is a taste-masking and/or controlled-release agent, andwherein the active component is uniformly distributed in the filmcomposition.

Some other embodiments provide a drug delivery vehicle including:

a dry mucoadhering film having a thickness defined by opposed surfaces;the film including:

(i) a water-soluble polymer;

(ii) a pharmaceutically active particle including a pharmaceuticallyactive agent; and a taste-masking agent;

wherein the particle having a particle size of less than about 200microns and the taste-masking agent being present in amounts of about15-80% by weight of the particle.

Still other embodiments provide a method of preparing a thin film drugdelivery vehicle including:

-   -   (a) providing a pharmaceutically active agent/taste-masking        agent complex;    -   (b) combining the complex with a water-soluble polymer and a        solvent to form a mixture with uniform distribution of the        complex therein;    -   (c) casting the mixture onto a planar carrier surface to form a        thin film on the carrier surface; and    -   (d) controllably drying the thin film to form a distribution        variance of the complex having less than about 10% variance        throughout any given area of the thin film.

In still other embodiments, there is provided a method of preparing athin film drug delivery vehicle having a substantially uniformdistribution of components including:

-   -   (a) forming a masterbatch pre-mix of an edible water-soluble        polymer component and water;    -   (b) feeding a predetermined amount of the premix to at least one        mixer;    -   (c) adding to the at least one mixer a predetermined amount of a        taste-masked active component including a particulate active        component and a taste masking agent coating the particulate        active component;    -   (d) mixing the premix and the taste-masked active component in        the at least one mixer to form a uniform matrix;    -   (e) forming a wet film from the matrix;    -   (f) rapidly forming a visco-elastic film by applying hot air        currents to the bottom side of the wet film with substantially        no top air flow; and    -   (g) drying the visco-elastic film to form a self-supporting        edible film.

In yet other embodiments, there is provided a process for making aself-supporting, edible film having a substantially uniform distributionof components including:

-   -   (a) forming a premix of an edible water-soluble polymer        component containing polyethylene oxide and optionally one or        more additional polymers;    -   (b) blending into the premix a taste-masked active component        including a particulate active component coated with a taste        masking agent, to form a uniform matrix;    -   (c) extruding a film from the matrix; and    -   (d) cooling the film to form a self-supporting edible film.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a package containing a unit dosage film ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of two adjacently coupled packages containingindividual unit dosage forms of the present invention, separated by atearable perforation.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the adjacently coupled packages of FIG. 2arranged in a stacked configuration.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a dispenser for dispensing thepackaged unit dosage forms, dispenser containing the packaged unitdosage forms in a stacked configuration.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a roll of coupled unit dose packages ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an apparatus suitable for preparation of apre-mix, addition of an active, and subsequent formation of the film.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an apparatus suitable for drying the filmsof the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sequential representation of the drying process of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a photographic representation of a film dried by conventionaldrying processes.

FIG. 10 is a photographic representation of a film dried by conventionaldrying processes.

FIG. 11 is a photographic representation of a film dried by conventionaldrying processes.

FIG. 12 is a photographic representation of a film dried by conventionaldrying processes.

FIG. 13 is a photographic representation of a film dried by conventionaldrying processes.

FIG. 14 is a photographic representation of a film dried by conventionaldrying processes.

FIG. 15 is a photographic representation of a film dried by conventionaldrying processes.

FIG. 16 is a photographic representation of a film dried by conventionaldrying processes.

FIG. 17 is a photographic representation of a film dried by theinventive drying process.

FIG. 18 is a photomicrographic representation of a film containing fatcoated particles dried by the inventive drying process.

FIG. 19 is a photomicrographic representation of a film containing fatcoated particles dried by the inventive drying process.

FIG. 20 is a photomicrographic representation of a film containing fatcoated particles dried by the inventive drying process.

FIG. 21 is a photomicrographic representation of a film containing fatcoated particles dried by the inventive drying process.

FIG. 22 is a photomicrographic representation of a film containing fatcoated particles dried by the inventive drying process.

FIG. 23 is a photomicrographic representation of a film containing fatcoated particles dried by the inventive drying process.

FIG. 24 is a photomicrographic representation of a film containing fatcoated particles dried by the inventive drying process.

FIG. 25 is a photomicrographic representation of a film containing fatcoated particles dried by the inventive drying process.

FIG. 26 is a photomicrographic representation of fat coated particlesnot in film, heated for 9 minutes at 80° C.

FIG. 27 is a photomicrographic representation of fat coated particlesnot in film, heated for 9 minutes at 80° C.

FIG. 28 is a photomicrographic representation of fat coated particles atroom temperature prior to processing.

FIG. 29 is a photomicrographic representation of fat coated particles atroom temperature prior to processing.

FIG. 30 is a photomicrographic representation of fat coated particles atroom temperature prior to processing.

FIG. 31 is a photomicrographic representation of fat coated particles atroom temperature prior to processing.

FIG. 32 is a graphical representation of a microarray on the blood of ahuman after ingestion by the human of a film of the present inventioncontaining a bovine derived protein.

FIG. 33 is a graphical representation of the temperature differentialbetween the inside and outside of a film of the present invention duringdrying.

FIG. 34 is a graphical representation of the temperature differentialbetween the inside and outside of a film of the present invention duringdrying.

FIG. 35 is a schematic representation of a continuously-linked zonedrying apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a schematic representation of a separate zone dryingapparatus in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a schematic representation of a single screw extrusionapparatus for use in producing films of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a table providing examples of thin film compositions of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of the present invention the term non-self-aggregatinguniform heterogeneity refers to the ability of the films of the presentinvention to provide a substantially reduced occurrence of, i.e. littleor no, aggregation or conglomeration of components within the film as isnormally experienced when films are formed by conventional dryingmethods such as a high-temperature air-bath using a drying oven, dryingtunnel, vacuum drier, or other such drying equipment. The termheterogeneity, as used in the present invention, includes films thatwill incorporate a single component, such as a polymer, as well ascombinations of components, such as a polymer and an active. Uniformheterogeneity includes the substantial absence of aggregates orconglomerates as is common in conventional mixing and heat dryingmethods used to form films.

Furthermore, the films of the present invention have a substantiallyuniform thickness, which is also not provided by the use of conventionaldrying methods used for drying water-based polymer systems. The absenceof a uniform thickness detrimentally affects uniformity of componentdistribution throughout the area of a given film.

The film products of the present invention may be produced by a wetcasting method, using a combination of a properly selected polymer and apolar solvent, optionally including an active ingredient as well asother fillers known in the art. In an alternative embodiment, a hot meltextrusion process may be used.

The film products of the present invention contain active agents intaste-masked or controlled-release coated particles uniformlydistributed throughout the film. The active agents may be flavors,cooling agents, pharmaceuticals, vitamins, nutraceuticals, or otherbioeffecting agents.

The coatings on the taste-masked or controlled-release particlesdesirably have a protective function, in addition to the taste-masked orcontrolled-release activity. The coatings desirably are sufficientlyphysically capable of withstanding the mechanical and thermal forcesassociated manufacturing processes, such as mixing, casting, rolling,drying, and hot melt extrusion.

Additionally, the coatings desirably do not prematurely release theactive agent or substantially expose the active agent to theenvironment, e.g., solvent or air, such that the active has thepotential to hydrolyze, oxidize, or otherwise be deleteriously affectedby undesired release from the particle coating. Moreover, maintenance ofthe physical and chemical integrity of the coating not only preservesthe activity of the active agent, but also allows for the coating toperform its taste-masked or controlled-release function when consumed.

In embodiments of this invention employing particulate active agents,whether coated or not, it is important that the particles not releasethe active agent during manufacture of the film, yet provide suitablerelease in the stomach or mouth during dosing, or during dissolutiontesting. Thus, the particles must reside intact during mixing, coating,film forming, and drying steps, so that the particles remain ready todissolve in the finished film only in an appropriate environment.Accordingly, manufacturing conditions must be balanced with thecomposition of the particles to provide stability during manufacture,yet appropriate release of drug. Note that by employing daughter mixers30 and 30′ (see FIG. 6) in wet casting embodiments of this invention,and not adding active drug to the master batch 22, there is less concernover stability of the particles during possibly extended periods afterthe master batch is mixed but prior to film forming operations. With thedaughter mixers 30 and 30′, the active agent or other ingredients thatare incompatible with extended hold times in the master batch can bemixed just prior to the film forming operations with only minimalcontact with the liquid ingredients prior to film forming. Even so, theparticles should be stable in the liquid film forming ingredients for asufficient period of time to compensate for the time required to formand dry the film after the film forming ingredients leave the daughtermixers. This time period may be as long as 30 minutes.

Similarly, a particular advantage to the extrusion processes of thisinvention is that solvents are not normally used in the extrusionmethods as described herein. Accordingly, there is a greater likelihoodthat a coated active agent, if present, will be stable during themanufacture. Without a solvent in the film forming process, there isless likelihood that a coated particle will dissolve and release theactive agent prematurely.

Film-Forming Polymers

The polymer may be water soluble, water swellable, water insoluble, or acombination of one or more either water soluble, water swellable orwater insoluble polymers. The polymer may include cellulose or acellulose derivative. Specific examples of useful water soluble polymersinclude, but are not limited to, polyethylene oxide (PEO), pullulan,hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HPC),hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carboxymethyl cellulose,polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, polyethylene glycol, xanthan gum,tragancanth gum, guar gum, acacia gum, arabic gum, polyacrylic acid,methylmethacrylate copolymer, carboxyvinyl copolymers, starch, gelatin,and combinations thereof. Specific examples of useful water insolublepolymers include, but are not limited to, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate and combinations thereof.

Polymers for Wet-Cast Films

Polymers for wet-cast films may employ a polar solvent, such as water oralcohol, during the manufacturing process to soften or dissolve thepolymeric film forming materials. Preferably, the polymers will be watersoluble. As used herein the phrase “water soluble polymer” and variantsthereof refer to a polymer that is at least partially soluble in water,and desirably fully or predominantly soluble in water, or absorbs water.Polymers that absorb water are often referred to as being waterswellable polymers. The materials useful with the present invention maybe water soluble or water swellable at room temperature and othertemperatures, such as temperatures exceeding room temperature. Moreover,the materials may be water soluble or water swellable at pressures lessthan atmospheric pressure. Desirably, the water soluble polymers arewater soluble or water swellable having at least 20 percent by weightwater uptake. Water swellable polymers having a 25 or greater percent byweight water uptake are also useful. Films or dosage forms of thepresent invention formed from such water soluble polymers are desirablysufficiently water soluble to be dissolvable upon contact with bodilyfluids.

Other polymers useful for incorporation into the films of the presentinvention include biodegradable polymers, copolymers, block polymers andcombinations thereof. Among the known useful polymers or polymer classeswhich meet the above criteria are: poly(glycolic acid) (PGA),poly(lactic acid) (PLA), polydioxanoes, polyoxalates, poly(α-esters),polyanhydrides, polyacetates, polycaprolactones, poly(orthoesters),polyamino acids, polyaminocarbonates, polyurethanes, polycarbonates,polyamides, poly(alkyl cyanoacrylates), and mixtures and copolymersthereof. Additional useful polymers include, stereopolymers of L- andD-lactic acid, copolymers of bis(p-carboxyphenoxy) propane acid andsebacic acid, sebacic acid copolymers, copolymers of caprolactone,poly(lactic acid)/poly(glycolic acid)/polyethyleneglycol copolymers,copolymers of polyurethane and (poly(lactic acid), copolymers ofpolyurethane and poly(lactic acid), copolymers of α-amino acids,copolymers of α-amino acids and caproic acid, copolymers of α-benzylglutamate and polyethylene glycol, copolymers of succinate andpoly(glycols), polyphosphazene, polyhydroxy-alkanoates and mixturesthereof. Binary and ternary systems are contemplated.

Other specific polymers useful include those marketed under the Medisorband Biodel trademarks. The Medisorb materials are marketed by the DupontCompany of Wilmington, Del. and are generically identified as a“lactide/glycolide co-polymer” containing “propanoic acid,2-hydroxy-polymer with hydroxy-polymer with hydroxyacetic acid.” Foursuch polymers include lactide/glycolide 100L, believed to be 100%lactide having a melting point within the range of 338°-347° F.(170°-175° C.); lactide/glycolide 100L, believed to be 100% glycolidehaving a melting point within the range of 437°-455° F. (225°-235° C.);lactide/glycolide 85/15, believed to be 85% lactide and 15% glycolidewith a melting point within the range of 338°-347° F. (170°-175° C.);and lactide/glycolide 50/50, believed to be a copolymer of 50% lactideand 50% glycolide with a melting point within the range of 338°-347° F.(170°-175° C.).

The Biodel materials represent a family of various polyanhydrides whichdiffer chemically.

Although a variety of different polymers may be used, it is desired toselect polymers to provide a desired viscosity of the mixture prior todrying. For example, if the active or other components are not solublein the selected solvent, a polymer that will provide a greater viscosityis desired to assist in maintaining uniformity. On the other hand, ifthe components are soluble in the solvent, a polymer that provides alower viscosity may be preferred.

The polymer plays an important role in affecting the viscosity of thefilm. Viscosity is one property of a liquid that controls the stabilityof the active in an emulsion, a colloid or a suspension. Generally theviscosity of the matrix will vary from about 400 cps to about 100,000cps, preferably from about 800 cps to about 60,000 cps, and mostpreferably from about 1,000 cps to about 40,000 cps. Desirably, theviscosity of the film-forming matrix will rapidly increase uponinitiation of the drying process.

The viscosity may be adjusted based on the selected active depending onthe other components within the matrix. For example, if the component isnot soluble within the selected solvent, a proper viscosity may beselected to prevent the component from settling which would adverselyaffect the uniformity of the resulting film. The viscosity may beadjusted in different ways. To increase viscosity of the film matrix,the polymer may be chosen of a higher molecular weight or crosslinkersmay be added, such as salts of calcium, sodium and potassium. Theviscosity may also be adjusted by adjusting the temperature or by addinga viscosity increasing component. Components that will increase theviscosity or stabilize the emulsion/suspension include higher molecularweight polymers and polysaccharides and gums, which include withoutlimitation, alginate, carrageenan, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose,locust bean gum, guar gum, xanthan gum, dextran, gum arabic, gellan gumand combinations thereof.

It has also been observed that certain polymers which when used alonewould ordinarily require a plasticizer to achieve a flexible film, canbe combined without a plasticizer and yet achieve flexible films. Forexample, HPMC and HPC when used in combination provide a flexible,strong film with the appropriate plasticity and elasticity formanufacturing and storage. No additional plasticizer or polyalcohol isneeded for flexibility.

Polymers for Extruded Films

In an alternative embodiment of this invention, hot melt extrusion maybe used to form films. For extrusion processes, the polymers must bethermoplastic, meaning the polymers can be melted in a suitableapparatus, blended with other ingredients as desired, and extruded underpressure through an orifice to provide a film.

Among the polymers recited above, polyethylene oxide (PEO), when usedalone or in combination with a hydrophilic cellulosic polymer, isparticularly suited to hot melt extrusion processes, and achievesflexible, strong films. Additional plasticizers or polyalcohols mayoptionally be included. Non-limiting examples of suitable cellulosicpolymers for combination with PEO include HPC and HPMC. PEO and HPC haveessentially no gelation temperature, while HPMC has a gelationtemperature of 58-64° C. (Methocel EF available from Dow Chemical Co.).Moreover, these films are sufficiently flexible even when substantiallyfree of organic solvents, which may be removed without compromising filmproperties. As such, if there is no solvent present, then there is noplasticizer in the films. PEO based films also exhibit good resistanceto tearing, little or no curling, and fast dissolution rates when thepolymer component contains appropriate levels of PEO.

To achieve the desired film properties, the level and/or molecularweight of PEO in the polymer component may be varied. Modifying the PEOcontent affects properties such as tear resistance, dissolution rate,and adhesion tendencies. Thus, one method for controlling filmproperties is to modify the PEO content. For instance, in someembodiments rapid dissolving films are desirable. By modifying thecontent of the polymer component, the desired dissolutioncharacteristics can be achieved.

In accordance with the present invention, PEO desirably ranges fromabout 20% to 100% by weight in the polymer component. In someembodiments, the amount of PEO desirably ranges from about 1 mg to about200 mg.

In some embodiments of the instant invention, a hydrophilic cellulosicpolymer such as HPMC may also be used as a water soluble polymer, infrom about 0% to about 80% by weight, or in a ratio of up to about 4:1with the PEO, and desirably in a ratio of about 1:1.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to vary the PEO levels topromote certain film properties. To obtain films with high tearresistance and fast dissolution rates, levels of about 50% or greater ofPEO in the polymer component are desirable. To achieve adhesionprevention, i.e., preventing the film from adhering to the roof of themouth, PEO levels of about 20% to 75% are desirable. In someembodiments, however, adhesion to the roof of the mouth may be desired,such as for administration to animals or children. In such cases, higherlevels of PEO may be employed. More specifically, structural integrityand dissolution of the film can be controlled such that the film canadhere to mucosa and be readily removed, or adhere more firmly and bedifficult to remove, depending on the intended use.

The molecular weight of the PEO may also be varied. High molecularweight PEO, such as about 4 million, may be desired to increasemucoadhesivity of the film. More desirably, the molecular weight mayrange from about 100,000 to 900,000, more desirably from about 100,000to 600,000, and most desirably from about 100,000 to 300,000. In someembodiments, it may be desirable to combine high molecular weight(600,000 to 900,000) with low molecular weight (100,000 to 300,000) PEOsin the polymer component.

For instance, certain film properties, such as fast dissolution ratesand high tear resistance, may be attained by combining small amounts ofhigh molecular weight PEOs with larger amounts of lower molecular weightPEOs. Desirably, such compositions contain about 60% or greater levelsof the lower molecular weight PEO in the PEO-blend polymer component.

To balance the properties of adhesion prevention, fast dissolution rate,and good tear resistance, desirable film compositions may include about50% to 75% low molecular weight PEO, optionally combined with a smallamount of a higher molecular weight PEO, with the remainder of thepolymer component containing a hydrophilic cellulosic polymer (HPC orHPMC).

Controlled Release Films

The term “controlled release” is intended to mean the release of activeat a pre-selected or desired rate. This rate will vary depending uponthe application. Desirable rates include fast or immediate releaseprofiles as well as delayed, sustained or sequential release.Combinations of release patterns, such as initial spiked releasefollowed by lower levels of sustained release of active arecontemplated. Pulsed drug releases are also contemplated.

The polymers that are chosen for the films of the present invention mayalso be chosen to allow for controlled disintegration of the active.This may be achieved by providing a substantially water insoluble filmthat incorporates an active that will be released from the film overtime. This may be accomplished by incorporating a variety of differentsoluble or insoluble polymers and may also include biodegradablepolymers in combination. Alternatively, coated controlled-release activeparticles may be incorporated into a readily soluble film matrix toachieve the controlled-release property of the active inside thedigestive system upon consumption.

Films that provide a controlled-release of the active are particularlyuseful for buccal, gingival, sublingual and vaginal applications. Thefilms of the present invention are particularly useful where mucosalmembranes or mucosal fluid is present due to their ability to readilywet and adhere to these areas.

The convenience of administering a single dose of a medication whichreleases active ingredients in a controlled fashion over an extendedperiod of time as opposed to the administration of a number of singledoses at regular intervals has long been recognized in thepharmaceutical arts. The advantage to the patient and clinician inhaving consistent and uniform blood levels of medication over anextended period of time are likewise recognized. The advantages of avariety of sustained release dosage forms are well known. However, thepreparation of a film that provides the controlled-release of an activehas advantages in addition to those well-known for controlled-releasetablets. For example, thin films are difficult to inadvertently aspirateand provide an increased patient compliance because they need not beswallowed like a tablet. Moreover, certain embodiments of the inventivefilms are designed to adhere to the buccal cavity and tongue, where theycontrollably dissolve. Furthermore, thin films may not be crushed in themanner of controlled release tablets which is a problem leading to abuseof drugs such as Oxycontin.

The actives employed in the present invention may be incorporated intothe film compositions of the present invention in a controlled releaseform. For example, particles of drug may be coated with polymers such asethyl cellulose or polymethacrylate, commercially available under brandnames such as Aquacoat ECD and Eudragit E-100, respectively. Solutionsof drug may also be absorbed on such polymer materials and incorporatedinto the inventive film compositions. Other components such as fats andwaxes, as well as sweeteners and/or flavors may also be employed in suchcontrolled release compositions.

The actives may be taste-masked prior to incorporation into the filmcomposition, as set forth in PCT Application No. PCT/US02/32594, titled,Uniform Films For Rapid Dissolve Dosage Form Incorporating Taste-MaskingCompositions, (based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/414,276,Express Mail Label No.: EU552991605 US of the same title, filed Sep. 27,2003, attorney docket No. 1199-15P) the entire subject matter of whichis incorporated by reference herein. Taste-masking of actives, asdisclosed therein, is described herein below.

Particle Formation

The active agents employed in the present invention are incorporatedinto the film compositions of the present invention in a taste-masked orcontrolled-release form. Taste-masking is useful to avoid unpleasanttaste effects, such as bitterness, often associated with the activeagents such as pharmacueuticals. In this embodiment, particles of drugmay be coated with taste-masking agents, for example polymers, oils, orwaxes. Additionally, organoleptic agents, such as, but not limited tosweeteners and/or flavors, may also be employed in such taste-maskedcompositions, including in the coating layer of the taste masking agent.In alternative embodiments, the particle coatings impartcontrolled-release, delayed-release, or sustained-releasecharacteristics, delaying the release of active agent from the particlein the mouth or gut of the consumer.

The taste-masked or controlled-release particles may be any usefulorganoleptic agent, cosmetic agent, pharmaceutical agent, orcombinations thereof.

Useful organoleptic agents include flavors and sweeteners. Usefulcosmetic agents include breath freshening or decongestant agents, suchas menthol, including menthol crystals.

Compositions employing particulate active agents incorporated into filmswith taste-masked coatings are disclosed in PCT application WO2003/030883, titled “Uniform Films For Rapid Dissolve Dosage FormIncorporating Taste-Masking Compositions,” the entire subject matter ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein. As used in this application,any reference to taste-masking by coating particulate active agentsshould also be understood to encompass controlled-release coatings ofparticulate active agents.

An important consideration for the film based drug delivery compositionsinvolving a controlled-release or taste-mask particle technology is thatthe drug containing particles remain chemically stable and do notrelease the active drug during the mixing and film forming operations ofthe manufacturing process. Accordingly, with respect to films formed bya wet casting method, the controlled-release or taste-mask particlecompositions should be sufficiently stable in the mixer prior to thefilm forming steps, and the casting and drying steps, so that theparticles remain intact in the finished product. In the hot meltextrusion film manufacturing process, the particles must be stable inthe extrusion apparatus and any subsequent steps, so that the particlesremain intact in the finished product.

In one embodiment, the taste-masking or controlled-release agent is athin film coating over a particulate bioeffecting agent. Useful coatingsin this embodiment include polymeric and non-polymeric materials.

Non-limiting examples of polymers include acrylic polymers, cellulosicpolymers or vinyl polymers. Non-limiting examples of non-polymericmaterials include crown ethers, fully hydrogenated oils and waxes.Moreover, the taste masking agents may be water soluble, water insolubleor partially water soluble.

For example, the coating material may be carboxymethyl cellulose; methylcellulose; ethyl cellulose; hydroxylmethyl cellulose; hydroxyethylcellulose; hydroxypropyl cellulose; hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose;hydroxymethylpropyl cellulose; gum arabic; xanthan gum; tragacanth;acacia; carageenan; guar gum; locust bean gum; pectin; alginates;gelatinized, modified or unmodified starch, including tapioca starch,rice starch, corn starch, potato starch, and wheat starch; polyvinylalcohol; polyacrylic acid; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; poly(meth)acrylate;poly(meth)copolymers; dextrin; dextran; proteins, such as, gelatin,zein, gluten, soy protein, soy protein isolate, and whey protein; wheyprotein isolate; casein; levin; collagen; chitin; chitosin; polydextroseand combinations thereof.

Useful acrylic polymers include those available under the trade nameEudragit® from Röhm America, LLC, such as methacrylic acid co-polymerssold under the trade names Eudragit E®, Eudragit L®, Eudragit RD® andEudragit S®, and polyethylacrylate-methylmethacrylate sold under thetrade name, Eudragit NE®. These acrylic polymers are generally watersoluble materials.

Useful cellulosic polymers include alkylcelluloses such as methyl orethyl cellulose, and hydroxyalkylcelluloses, such as hydroxylmethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose,hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxymethylpropyl cellulose, andcombinations thereof. Useful alkylcelluloses include those sold underthe trade names Methocel E™ by Dow Chemicals. Additionally, usefulethylcelluloses are commercially available commercially available fromFMC Corporation under brand name Aquacoat ECD. These polymers aregenerally water soluble materials.

Moreover, the pharmaceutically active agents may be sprayed andcongealed with fully hydrogenated oils or waxes considered safe forhuman consumption and are relatively stable. Useful, but non-limiting,pharmaceutically acceptable oils include mineral oil, peanut oil,soybean oil, sunflower oil, corn oil, olive oil, hard palm oil andrapeseed oil.

Furthermore, crown ether compounds, such as cyclodextrins, are alsouseful for coating the pharmaceutically active agents. Thepharmaceutically active agents are taste masked with crown ethersthrough entrapment or coaccervation methods. Useful cyclodextrins arecommercially available under the trade name of Trappsol® from CTD, Inc.

In some embodiments, the aforementioned polymeric coatings that affecttaste masking may be desirable over complexation with ion exchangeresins, as has been disclosed in, for example, European Patent No.EP1267829 B1, because of the high drug loadings that are possible withthe polymeric coatings as compared to complexation with ion exchangeresins. Despite allegations to the contrary, we have found the highestuseful drug loading on an ion exchange resin is about 30% by weight. Bycontrast, the particle coating of this invention can be used with 50-95%drug loading, meaning that a taste-masked particle can contain up toabout 95% by weight active and as little as 5% by weight taste-maskingpolymer. This is a substantially greater drug loading than known ionexchange resins, and very important given the limited size and weight ofa film dosage unit, in which maximizing drug loading into a uniform filmis an important consideration.

In some embodiments, the taste-masking or control-release agent may bepresent in the amount of about 5-80% by weight of the particle. Inanother embodiment, the taste-masking agent is present in the amount ofabout 5-60% by weight of the particle. In yet another embodiment, thetaste-masking agent is present in the amount of about 25-35% by weightof the particle. The precise loading of drug in the taste-mask coatedparticle is a function of many parameters, including the drug, thecoating, and any flavors present in the particle or the film formingmatrix.

Pharmaceutically active agents may be taste-masked with theabove-described taste-masking agents by a variety of techniques. Thetechniques coat the pharmaceutically active agents or portions of thepharmaceutically active agents with taste-masking agents to avoidunpleasant taste effects, such as bitterness, often associated with thepharmaceutically active agents or drugs. Useful coating techniquesinclude, but are not limited to, fluidized bed coating, spray congealingcoating, agglomeration or granulation coating, entrapment coating,coaccervation coating, infusion coating, spin coating, ion exchangecoating and the like.

The fluidized bed coating method is commonly used in pharmaceuticalindustries for taste masking pharmaceutically active agents. Fluidizedbed coaters achieve fluidization of the pharmaceutically active agentsby introducing a continuous stream of process gas into a chamber. Thecoating material is deposited onto the suspended agent as it passesthrough the spray path of the coating material. The coated agent isdried. A relative low water solubility polymer is typically used to coatthe active particles' surface. Minimum limits on particle sizes areabout 100 to 120 microns. Smaller particle sizes are difficult toachieve due to process limitation and product loss. Water insolublepharmaceutically active agents may be suitable coated with water solubletaste masking agents with this method.

In the spray congealing method both the pharmaceutically active agentsand the coating materials are sprayed simultaneously into a chambersupplied with process gas to create a uniformly coated active. Thismethod typically involves the coating of the actives with material thatcould be melted at reasonable temperatures, for example fatty materialsor polymers such as certain Eudragit® polymers. The mix of materials aresprayed through a fine nozzle and cooled through a temperature-controlair stream or a cold surface. Consideration of mixture temperature isimportant. The melting temperature of the coating agent selected shouldnot exceed a degradation temperature of the pharmaceutically activeagent.

In the agglomeration or granulation method, the pharmaceutically activeagents are mixed with the taste-masking agents and a solvent bymechanical means or by spray drying. The solvent is gradually removed byvacuum or heating, or both. Particles are then agglomerated. Theagglomerated particles are not typically coated entirely with the tastemasking agent and some bitterness may result accordingly. Thebitterness, however, may be further reduced by incorporating such coatedparticles in the films of the present invention.

In typical entrapment coating methods, certain compounds having specificproperties that can trap pharmaceutically active agents into itsmolecule cages must first be selected. Compounds, like certainspecifically made starches and crown ether type molecules, such ascyclodextrins and zeolites, are useful with this method. The compoundsand the agents are entrapped by ionic attraction. The entrapped agentsare then precipitated from solution.

The coaccervation coating method uses two polymers with opposite chargesin solution. When the solution is neutralized an insoluble matrix willprecipitate from solution and trap the pharmaceutically active agentstherein. Examples include interactions of gum arabic and gelatinsolutions and interactions of cyclodextrins and protein solutions.

In the infusion method pharmaceutically active agents and flavors orsweeteners are dissolved and infused into a polymer matrix to form a drypowder. In spin coating methods, pharmaceutically active agents arecombined with sugars or fats and spun into coated particles. Details ofthe method are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,028,632, the contents ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference. In ion exchange coating,ionic bonding of pharmaceutically active agents to ion exchange resinsmasks the tastes of the agents.

Extrusion and spheronization methods may also be used for taste-maskingpharmaceutically active particulates. Ratios of active(s) and polymer(s)(such as, starch, cellulose, gum and/or combinations thereof) are firstmixed and thicken by adding a small amount of water. The thickenedmixture is then extruded through a single or double nozzle screw. Smallspherical particles are formed by a Marumerization® process. Desirableparticle sizes are obtained through process control and particulatesieving.

Lyophilization (Freeze-Drying) methods may also be used with thepractice of the present invention A combination of polymer(s) (such as,starch, gum, cellulose and/or combinations thereof) with active(s) aremixed and dissolved (or dispersed) in aqueous medium. This mixture isthen freeze-dried on a pre-form substrate. Desirable particles sizes canbe obtained by process control and product sieving.

In some instances, taste-masking may amount to the addition of twocomponents together, neither of which are particularly pleasing to thetaste, but which, due to their chemical makeup, counteract each other orallow for a third substance or more of one of the substances to be addedwithout a concomitant reduction in pleasantness of the taste.

The edible water-soluble delivery system of the present inventionfurther includes one or more members selected from antifoaming agents,plasticizing agents, surfactants, emulsifying agents, thickening agents,binding agents, cooling agents, saliva-stimulating agents, sweeteningagents, antimicrobial agents, antigens and combinations thereof.

The particles used in the present invention desirably have a particlesize of less than about 200 microns and the taste-masking agent ispresent in amounts of about 15-80% by weight of the particle. A particlesize of about 150 microns or less is also useful. Desirably, theparticle size of the particle is about 100 microns or less. Desirably,the thickness of the film is less than about 380 microns, for example,less than about 250 microns. Furthermore, the taste-masking agent may bepresent in the amount of about 20-60% by weight of the particle.Desirably, the taste-masking agent is present in the amount of about25-35% by weight of the particle.

In some embodiments, the particulate bioeffecting agent coated with ataste-masking or controlled-release polymer may have a particle size ofbetween 50 to 250 microns. Desirably, the size of the combinedparticulate and taste-masking agent have a particle size of 150 micronsor less, for example 100 microns or less. Particle sizes less than 50microns may be unsuitable in some embodiments because it is inefficientto coat such small particles due to the large surface area.

Particle sizes of greater than 250 microns may be unsuitable in someembodiments because the larger particles can “bridge” during the filmforming process, meaning that the particle can extend from the bottomsurface to the top surface of the film, or even protrude beyond thesurface of the film. Such bridging may cause streaking andnon-uniformity of the finished film. Any protruding particles also maybe subject to environmental stresses and premature decomposition,leading to non-uniformity of dosing.

The aforementioned particles may be spherical, substantially spherical,or non-spherical, such as irregularly shaped particles or ellipsoidallyshaped particles. Ellipsoidally shaped particles or ellipsoids areespecially desirable because of their ability to maintain uniformity inthe film forming matrix as they tend to settle to a lesser degree ascompared to spherical particles.

When an active agent is present in the film, the amount of active perunit area is determined by the uniform distribution of the film. Forexample, when the films are cut into individual dosage forms, the amountof the active in the dosage form can be known with a great deal ofaccuracy. This is achieved because the amount of the active in a givenarea is substantially identical to the amount of active in an area ofthe same dimensions in another part of the film. The accuracy in dosageis particularly advantageous when the active is a medicament, i.e., adrug.

The uniformity is determined by the presence of no more than a 10% byweight of drug variance throughout the matrix. Desirably, the drugvariance is less than 5% by weight, less than 2% by weight, less than 1%by weight, or less than 0.5% by weight. Moreover, the particulates havea particle size of 200 microns or less. Furthermore, the film matrixdesirably has a thickness of less than about 380 microns.

Active Agents

The active components that may be incorporated into the films of thepresent invention include, without limitation, pharmaceutical andcosmetic actives, drugs, medicaments, proteins, antigens or allergenssuch as ragweed pollen, spores, microorganisms, seeds, mouthwashcomponents, flavors, fragrances, enzymes, preservatives, sweeteningagents, colorants, spices, vitamins and combinations thereof.

Drugs

A wide variety of medicaments, bioactive active substances andpharmaceutical compositions may be included in the dosage forms of thepresent invention. Examples of useful drugs include ace-inhibitors,antianginal drugs, anti-arrhythmias, anti-asthmatics,anti-cholesterolemics, analgesics, anesthetics, anti-convulsants,anti-depressants, anti-diabetic agents, anti-diarrhea preparations,antidotes, anti-histamines, anti-hypertensive drugs, anti-inflammatoryagents, anti-lipid agents, anti-manics, anti-nauseants, anti-strokeagents, anti-thyroid preparations, anti-tumor drugs, anti-viral agents,acne drugs, alkaloids, amino acid preparations, anti-tussives,anti-uricemic drugs, anti-viral drugs, anabolic preparations, systemicand non-systemic anti-infective agents, anti-neoplastics,anti-parkinsonian agents, anti-rheumatic agents, appetite stimulants,biological response modifiers, blood modifiers, bone metabolismregulators, cardiovascular agents, central nervous system stimulates,cholinesterase inhibitors, contraceptives, decongestants, dietarysupplements, dopamine receptor agonists, endometriosis managementagents, enzymes, erectile dysfunction therapies, fertility agents,gastrointestinal agents, homeopathic remedies, hormones, hypercalcemiaand hypocalcemia management agents, immunomodulators,immunosuppressives, migraine preparations, motion sickness treatments,muscle relaxants, obesity management agents, osteoporosis preparations,oxytocics, parasympatholytics, parasympathomimetics, prostaglandins,psychotherapeutic agents, respiratory agents, sedatives, smokingcessation aids, sympatholytics, tremor preparations, urinary tractagents, vasodilators, laxatives, antacids, ion exchange resins,anti-pyretics, appetite suppressants, expectorants, anti-anxiety agents,anti-ulcer agents, anti-inflammatory substances, coronary dilators,cerebral dilators, peripheral vasodilators, psycho-tropics, stimulants,anti-hypertensive drugs, vasoconstrictors, migraine treatments,antibiotics, tranquilizers, anti-psychotics, anti-tumor drugs,anti-coagulants, anti-thrombotic drugs, hypnotics, anti-emetics,anti-nauseants, anti-convulsants, neuromuscular drugs, hyper- andhypo-glycemic agents, thyroid and anti-thyroid preparations, diuretics,anti-spasmodics, uterine relaxants, anti-obesity drugs, erythropoieticdrugs, anti-asthmatics, cough suppressants, mucolytics, DNA and geneticmodifying drugs, and combinations thereof.

Examples of medicating active ingredients contemplated for use in thepresent invention include antacids, H₂-antagonists, and analgesics. Forexample, antacid dosages can be prepared using the ingredients calciumcarbonate alone or in combination with magnesium hydroxide, and/oraluminum hydroxide. Moreover, antacids can be used in combination withH₂-antagonists.

Analgesics include opiates and opiate derivatives, such as oxycodone(available as Oxycontin®), ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, andcombinations thereof that may optionally include caffeine.

Other preferred drugs for other preferred active ingredients for use inthe present invention include anti-diarrheals such as immodium AD,anti-histamines, anti-tussives, decongestants, vitamins, and breathfresheners. Common drugs used alone or in combination for colds, pain,fever, cough, congestion, runny nose and allergies, such asacetaminophen, chlorpheniramine maleate, dextromethorphan,pseudoephedrine HCl and diphenhydramine may be included in the filmcompositions of the present invention.

Also contemplated for use herein are anxiolytics such as alprazolam(available as Xanax®); anti-psychotics such as clozopin (available asClozaril®) and haloperidol (available as Haldol®); non-steroidalanti-inflammatories (NSAID's) such as dicyclofenacs (available asVoltaren®) and etodolac (available as Lodine®), anti-histamines such asloratadine (available as Claritin®), astemizole (available asHismanal™), nabumetone (available as Relafen®), and Clemastine(available as Tavist®); anti-emetics such as granisetron hydrochloride(available as Kytril®) and nabilone (available as Cesamet™);bronchodilators such as Bentolin®, albuterol sulfate (available asProventil®); anti-depressants such as fluoxetine hydrochloride(available as Prozac®), sertraline hydrochloride (available as Zoloft®),and paroxtine hydrochloride (available as Paxil®); anti-migraines suchas Imigra®, ACE-inhibitors such as enalaprilat (available as Vasotec®),captopril (available as Capoten®) and lisinopril (available asZestril®); anti-Alzheimer's agents, such as nicergoline; andCa^(H)-antagonists such as nifedipine (available as Procardia® andAdalat®), and verapamil hydrochloride (available as Calan®).

Erectile dysfunction therapies include, but are not limited to, drugsfor facilitating blood flow to the penis, and for effecting autonomicnervous activities, such as increasing parasympathetic (cholinergic) anddecreasing sympathetic (adrenersic) activities. Useful non-limitingdrugs include sildenafils, such as Viagra®, tadalafils, such as Clalis®,vardenafils, apomorphines, such as Uprima®, yohimbine hydrochloridessuch as Aphrodyne®, and alprostadils such as Caverject®.

The popular H₂-antagonists which are contemplated for use in the presentinvention include cimetidine, ranitidine hydrochloride, famotidine,nizatidien, ebrotidine, mifentidine, roxatidine, pisatidine andaceroxatidine.

Active antacid ingredients include, but are not limited to, thefollowing: aluminum hydroxide, dihydroxyaluminum aminoacetate,aminoacetic acid, aluminum phosphate, dihydroxyaluminum sodiumcarbonate, bicarbonate, bismuth aluminate, bismuth carbonate, bismuthsubcarbonate, bismuth subgallate, bismuth subnitrate, bismuthsubsilysilate, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, citrate ion (acidor salt), amino acetic acid, hydrate magnesium aluminate sulfate,magaldrate, magnesium aluminosilicate, magnesium carbonate, magnesiumglycinate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium trisilicate,milk solids, aluminum mono-ordibasic calcium phosphate, tricalciumphosphate, potassium bicarbonate, sodium tartrate, sodium bicarbonate,magnesium aluminosilicates, tartaric acids and salts.

Anti-inflammatory agents include steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, suchas cortisone, triamcinalone, prednisone, prednisolone, and the like.

Other Actives

The pharmaceutically active agents employed in the present invention mayinclude allergens or antigens, such as, but not limited to, plantpollens from grasses, trees, or ragweed; animal danders, which are tinyscales shed from the skin and hair of cats and other furred animals;insects, such as house dust mites, bees, and wasps; and drugs, such aspenicillin.

An anti-oxidant may also be added to the film to prevent the degradationof an active, especially where the active is photosensitive.

Cosmetic active agents may include breath freshening compounds likementhol, other flavors or fragrances, especially those used for oralhygiene, as well as actives used in dental and oral cleansing such asquaternary ammonium bases. The effect of flavors may be enhanced usingflavor enhancers like tartaric acid, citric acid, vanillin, or the like.

Dosages

The film products of the present invention are capable of accommodatinga wide range of amounts of the active ingredient. The films are capableof providing an accurate dosage amount (determined by the size of thefilm and concentration of the active in the original polymer/watercombination) regardless of whether the required dosage is high orextremely low. Therefore, depending on the type of active orpharmaceutical composition that is incorporated into the film, theactive amount may be as high as about 300 mg, desirably up to about 150mg or as low as the microgram range, or any amount therebetween.

The film products and methods of the present invention are well suitedfor high potency, low dosage drugs. This is accomplished through thehigh degree of uniformity of the films. Therefore, low dosage drugs,particularly more potent racemic mixtures of actives are desirable.

Flavors

Flavors may be chosen from natural and synthetic flavoring liquids. Anillustrative list of such agents includes volatile oils, syntheticflavor oils, flavoring aromatics, oils, liquids, oleoresins or extractsderived from plants, leaves, flowers, fruits, stems and combinationsthereof. A non-limiting representative list of examples includes mintoils, cocoa, and citrus oils such as lemon, orange, grape, lime andgrapefruit and fruit essences including apple, pear, peach, grape,strawberry, raspberry, cherry, plum, pineapple, apricot or other fruitflavors.

Useful flavors or flavoring agents include natural and artificialflavors. These flavorings may be chosen from synthetic flavor oils andflavoring aromatics, and/or oils, oleo resins and extracts derived fromplants, leaves, flowers, fruits and so forth, and combinations thereof.Non-limiting flavor oils include: spearmint oil, cinnamon oil,peppermint oil, clove oil, bay oil, thyme oil, cedar leaf oil, oil ofnutmeg, oil of sage, and oil of bitter almonds. Also useful areartificial, natural or synthetic fruit flavors such as vanilla,chocolate, coffee, cocoa and citrus oil, including lemon, orange, grape,lime and grapefruit, and fruit essences including apple, pear, peach,strawberry, raspberry, cherry, plum, pineapple, apricot and the like.These flavorings can be used individually or in combination. Commonlyused flavors include mints such as peppermint, artificial vanilla,cinnamon derivatives, and various fruit flavors, whether employedindividually or in combination. Flavorings such as aldehydes and estersincluding cinnamylacetate, cinnamaldehyde, citral, diethylacetal,dihydrocarvyl acetate, eugenyl formate, p-methylanisole, and the likemay also be used. Further examples of aldehyde flavorings include, butare not limited to acetaldehyde (apple); benzaldehyde (cherry, almond);cinnamicaldehyde (cinnamon); citral, i.e., alpha citral (lemon, lime);neral, i.e. beta citral(lemon, lime); decanal (orange, lemon); ethylvanillin (vanilla, cream); heliotropine, i.e., piperonal (vanilla,cream); vanillin (vanilla, cream); alpha-amyl cinnamaldehyde (spicyfruity flavors); butyraldehyde (butter, cheese); valeraldehyde (butter,cheese); citronellal (modifies, many types); decanal(citrus fruits);aldehyde C-8 (citrus fruits); aldehyde C-9 (citrus fruits); aldehydeC-12 (citrus fruits); 2-ethyl butyraldehyde (berry fruits); hexenal,i.e. trans-2 (berry fruits); tolyl aldehyde (cherry, almond);veratraldehyde (vanilla); 12,6-dimethyl-5-heptenal, i.e. melonal(melon); 2 dimethyloctanal (greenfruit); and 2-dodecenal (citrus,mandarin); cherry; grape; mixtures thereof; and the like.

Other useful flavorings include aldehydes and esters such asbenzaldehyde (cherry, almond), citral i.e., alphacitral (lemon, lime),neral, i.e., beta-citral (lemon, lime), decanal (orange, lemon),aldehyde C-8 (citrus fruits), aldehyde C-9 (citrus fruits), aldehydeC-12 (citrus fruits), tolyl aldehyde (cherry, almond),2,6-dimethyloctanol (green fruit), and 2-dodecenal (citrus, mandarin),combinations thereof and the like.

The amount of flavoring employed is normally a matter of preference,subject to such factors as flavor type, individual flavor, and strengthdesired. The amount may be varied in order to obtain the result desiredin the final product. Such variations are within the capabilities ofthose skilled in the art without the need for undue experimentation. Ingeneral, amounts of about 0.1 to about 30 wt % are useful with thepractice of the present invention.

Sweeteners

Suitable sweeteners include both natural and artificial sweeteners.Non-limiting examples of suitable sweeteners include, e.g.:

water-soluble sweetening agents such as monosaccharides, disaccharidesand polysaccharides such as xylose, ribose, glucose (dextrose), mannose,galactose, fructose (levulose), sucrose (sugar), high fructose cornsyrup, maltose, invert sugar (a mixture of fructose and glucose derivedfrom sucrose), partially hydrolyzed starch, corn syrup solids, anddihydrochalcones;

water-soluble artificial sweeteners such as the soluble saccharin salts,i.e., sodium or calcium saccharin salts, cyclamate salts, the sodium,ammonium or calcium salt of3,4-dihydro-6-methyl-1,2,3-oxathiazine-4-one-2,2-dioxide, the potassiumsalt of 3,4-dihydro-6-methyl-1,2,3-oxathiazine-4-one-2,2-dioxide(acesulfame-K), the free acid form of saccharin and the like;

dipeptide based sweeteners, such as L-aspartic acid derived sweeteners,such as L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester (aspartame),L-alpha-aspartyl-N-(2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-3-thietanyl)-D-alaninamidehydrate, methyl esters of L-aspartyl-L-phenylglycerin andL-aspartyl-L-2,5,dihydrophenylglycine,L-aspartyl-2,5-dihydro-L-phenylalanine,L-aspartyl-L-(1-cyclohexyen)-alanine, and the like;

water-soluble sweeteners derived from naturally occurring water-solublesweeteners, such as a chlorinated derivatives of ordinarysugar(sucrose), known, for example, as sucralose; and

protein based sweeteners such as thaurnatoccous danielli (Thaurnatin Iand II). naturally occurring high intensity sweeteners, such as Lo HanKuo, stevia, steviosides, monellin, and glycyrrhizin.

In general, an effective amount of auxiliary sweetener is utilized toprovide the level of sweetness desired for a particular composition, andthis amount will vary with the sweetener selected. This amount willnormally be 0.01% to about 10% by weight of the composition. Theseamounts may be used to achieve a desired level of sweetness independentfrom the flavor level achieved from any optional flavor oils used. Ofcourse, sweeteners need not be added to films intended for non-oraladministration.

Colors

Color additives useful in this invention include food, drug and cosmeticcolors (FD&C), drug and cosmetic colors (D&C), or external drug andcosmetic colors (Ext. D&C). These colors are dyes, their correspondinglakes, and certain natural and derived colorants. Lakes are dyesabsorbed on aluminum hydroxide.

Other examples of coloring agents include known azo dyes, organic orinorganic pigments, or coloring agents of natural origin. Inorganicpigments are preferred, such as the oxides or iron or titanium, theseoxides, being added in concentrations ranging from about 0.001 to about10%, and preferably about 0.5 to about 3%, based on the weight of allthe components.

Film Forming Processes

The films of the present invention may be formed by several differenttechniques known in the art of forming films, for example, wet casting,or hot melt extrusion methods.

Desirably, the thickness of the film is less than about 380 microns, forexample, less than about 250 microns.

Wet-Cast Films

In the wet casting processes, the films may have a non-self-aggregatinguniform heterogeneity of the components within them by utilizing aselected casting, deposition, or extrusion film forming method and acontrolled drying process. Examples of controlled drying processesinclude, but are not limited to, the use of the apparatus disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 4,631,837 to Magoon (“Magoon”), herein incorporated byreference, as well as hot air impingement across the bottom substrateand bottom heating plates. Another drying technique for obtaining thefilms of the present invention is controlled radiation drying, in theabsence of uncontrolled air currents, such as infrared and radiofrequency radiation (i.e. microwaves).

The objective of the drying process is to provide a method of drying thefilms that avoids complications, such as the noted “rippling” effect,that are associated with conventional drying methods and which initiallydry the upper surface of the film, trapping moisture inside. Inconventional oven drying methods, as the moisture trapped insidesubsequently evaporates, the top surface is altered by being ripped openand then reformed. These complications are avoided by the presentinvention, and a uniform film is provided by drying the bottom surfaceof the film first or otherwise preventing the formation of polymer filmformation (skin) on the top surface of the film prior to drying thedepth of the film. This may be achieved by applying heat to the bottomsurface of the film with substantially no top air flow, or alternativelyby the introduction of controlled microwaves to evaporate the water orother polar solvent within the film, again with substantially no top airflow. Yet alternatively, drying may be achieved by using balanced fluidflow, such as balanced air flow, where the bottom and top air flows arecontrolled to provide a uniform film. In such a case, the air flowdirected at the top of the film should not create a condition whichwould cause movement of particles present in the wet film, due to forcesgenerated by the air currents. Additionally, air currents directed atthe bottom of the film should desirably be controlled such that the filmdoes not lift up due to forces from the air. Uncontrolled air currents,either above or below the film, can create non-uniformity in the finalfilm products. The humidity level of the area surrounding the topsurface may also be appropriately adjusted to prevent premature closureor skinning of the polymer surface.

This manner of drying the films provides several advantages. Among theseare the faster drying times and a more uniform surface of the film, aswell as uniform distribution of components for any given area in thefilm. In addition, the faster drying time allows viscosity to quicklybuild within the film, further encouraging a uniform distribution ofcomponents and decrease in aggregation of components in the final filmproduct. Desirably, the drying of the film will occur within about tenminutes or fewer, or more desirably within about five minutes or fewer.

The present invention yields exceptionally uniform film products whenattention is paid to reducing the aggregation of the compositionalcomponents. By avoiding the introduction of and eliminating excessiveair in the mixing process, selecting polymers and solvents to provide acontrollable viscosity and by drying the film in a rapid manner from thebottom up, such films result.

The products and processes of the present invention rely on theinteraction among various steps of the production of the films in orderto provide films that substantially reduce the self-aggregation of thecomponents within the films. Specifically, these steps include theparticular method used to form the film, making the composition mixtureto prevent air bubble inclusions, controlling the viscosity of the filmforming composition and the method of drying the film. Moreparticularly, a greater viscosity of components in the mixture isparticularly useful when the active is not soluble in the selected polarsolvent in order to prevent the active from settling out. However, theviscosity must not be too great as to hinder or prevent the chosenmethod of casting, which desirably includes reverse roll coating due toits ability to provide a film of substantially consistent thickness.

In addition to the viscosity of the film or film-forming components ormatrix, there are other considerations taken into account by the presentinvention for achieving desirable film uniformity. For example, stablesuspensions are achieved which prevent solid (such as drug particles)sedimentation in non-colloidal applications. One approach provided bythe present invention is to balance the density of the particulate(ρ_(p)) and the liquid phase (ρ₁) and increase the viscosity of theliquid phase (μ). For an isolated particle, Stokes law relates theterminal settling velocity (Vo) of a rigid spherical body of radius (r)in a viscous fluid, as follows:

V _(o)=(2gr ^(r))(ρ_(p)−ρ₁)/9μ,

At high particle concentrations, however, the local particleconcentration will affect the local viscosity and density. The viscosityof the suspension is a strong function of solids volume fraction, andparticle-particle and particle-liquid interactions will further hindersettling velocity.

Stokian analyses have shown that the incorporation of a third phase,dispersed air or nitrogen, for example, promotes suspension stability.Further, increasing the number of particles leads to a hindered settlingeffect based on the solids volume fraction. In dilute particlesuspensions, the rate of sedimentation, v, can be expressed as:

v/V _(o)=1/(1+κφ)

where κ=a constant, and φ is the volume fraction of the dispersed phase.More particles suspended in the liquid phase results in decreasedvelocity. Particle geometry is also an important factor since theparticle dimensions will affect particle-particle flow interactions.

Similarly, the viscosity of the suspension is dependent on the volumefraction of dispersed solids. For dilute suspensions of non-interactionspherical particles, an expression for the suspension viscosity can beexpressed as:

μ/μ_(o)=+2.5φ

where μ_(o) is the viscosity of the continuous phase and φ is the solidsvolume fraction. At higher volume fractions, the viscosity of thedispersion can be expressed as

μ/μ_(o)=+2.5φ+C ₁φ² +C ₂φ³+ . . . .

where C is a constant.

The viscosity of the liquid phase is critical and is desirably modifiedby customizing the liquid composition to a viscoelastic non-Newtonianfluid with low yield stress values. This is the equivalent of producinga high viscosity continuous phase at rest. Formation of a viscoelasticor a highly structured fluid phase provides additional resistive forcesto particle sedimentation. Further, flocculation or aggregation can becontrolled minimizing particle-particle interactions. The net effectwould be the preservation of a homogeneous dispersed phase.

The addition of hydrocolloids to the aqueous phase of the suspensionincreases viscosity, may produce viscoelasticity and can impartstability depending on the type of hydrocolloid, its concentration andthe particle composition, geometry, size, and volume fraction. Theparticle size distribution of the dispersed phase needs to be controlledby selecting the smallest realistic particle size in the high viscositymedium, i.e., <500 μm. The presence of a slight yield stress or elasticbody at low shear rates may also induce permanent stability regardlessof the apparent viscosity. The critical particle diameter can becalculated from the yield stress values. In the case of isolatedspherical particles, the maximum shear stress developed in settlingthrough a medium of given viscosity can be given as

τ_(max)=3Vμ/2r

For pseudoplastic fluids, the viscosity in this shear stress regime maywell be the zero shear rate viscosity at the Newtonian plateau.

A stable suspension is an important characteristic for the manufactureof a pre-mix composition which is to be fed into the film castingmachinery film, as well as the maintenance of this stability in the wetfilm stage until sufficient drying has occurred to lock-in the particlesand matrix into a sufficiently solid form such that uniformity ismaintained. For viscoelastic fluid systems, a rheology that yieldsstable suspensions for extended time period, such as 24 hours, must bebalanced with the requirements of high-speed film casting operations. Adesirable property for the films is shear thinning or pseudoplasticity,whereby the viscosity decreases with increasing shear rate. Timedependent shear effects such as thixotropy are also advantageous.Structural recovery and shear thinning behavior are importantproperties, as is the ability for the film to self-level as it isformed.

The rheology requirements for the inventive compositions and films arequite severe. This is due to the need to produce a stable suspension ofparticles, for example 30-60 wt %, in a viscoelastic fluid matrix withacceptable viscosity values throughout a broad shear rate range. Duringmixing, pumping, and film casting, shear rates in the range of 10-10⁵sec.⁻¹ may be experienced and pseudoplasticity is the preferredembodiment.

In film casting or coating, rheology is also a defining factor withrespect to the ability to form films with the desired uniformity. Shearviscosity, extensional viscosity, viscoelasticity, structural recoverywill influence the quality of the film. As an illustrative example, theleveling of shear-thinning pseudoplastic fluids has been derived as

α^((n−1/n))=α_(o) ^((n−1/n))−((n−1)/(2n−1))(τ/K)^(1/n)(2π/λ)^((3+n)/n) h^((2n+1)/n) t

where α is the surface wave amplitude, α_(o) is the initial amplitude, λis the wavelength of the surface roughness, and both “n” and “K” areviscosity power law indices. In this example, leveling behavior isrelated to viscosity, increasing as n decreases, and decreasing withincreasing K.

Desirably, the films or film-forming compositions of the presentinvention have a very rapid structural recovery, i.e. as the film isformed during processing, it doesn't fall apart or become discontinuousin its structure and compositional uniformity. Such very rapidstructural recovery retards particle settling and sedimentation.Moreover, the films or film-forming compositions of the presentinvention are desirably shear-thinning pseudoplastic fluids. Such fluidswith consideration of properties, such as viscosity and elasticity,promote thin film formation and uniformity.

Wet-Cast Film Forming Methods

The film products are generally formed by combining a properly selectedpolymer and polar solvent, as well as any active ingredient or filler asdesired. Desirably, the solvent content of the combination is at leastabout 30% by weight of the total combination. The matrix formed by thiscombination is formed into a film, desirably by roll coating, and thendried, desirably by a rapid and controlled drying process to maintainthe uniformity of the film, more specifically, a non-self-aggregatinguniform heterogeneity. The resulting film will desirably contain lessthan about 10% by weight solvent, more desirably less than about 8% byweight solvent, even more desirably less than about 6% by weight solventand most desirably less than about 2%. The solvent may be water, a polarorganic solvent including, but not limited to, ethanol, isopropanol,acetone, methylene chloride, or any combination thereof.

When the matrix is formed including the film-forming polymer and polarsolvent in addition to any additives and the active ingredient, this maybe done in a number of steps. For example, the ingredients may all beadded together or a pre-mix may be prepared. The advantage of a pre-mixis that all ingredients except for the active may be combined inadvance, with the active added just prior to formation of the film. Thisis especially important for actives that may degrade with prolongedexposure to water, air or another polar solvent.

FIG. 6 shows an apparatus 20 suitable for the preparation of a pre-mix,addition of an active and subsequent formation of a film. The pre-mix ormaster batch 22, which includes the film-forming polymer, polar solvent,and any other additives except a drug active is added to the masterbatch feed tank 24. The components for pre-mix or master batch 22 aredesirably formed in a mixer (not shown) prior to their addition into themaster batch feed tank 24. Then a pre-determined amount of the masterbatch is controllably fed via a first metering pump 26 and control valve28 to either or both of the first and second mixers, 30, 30′. Thepresent invention, however, is not limited to the use of two mixers, 30,30′, and any number of mixers may suitably be used. Moreover, thepresent invention is not limited to any particular sequencing of themixers 30, 30′, such as parallel sequencing as depicted in FIG. 6, andother sequencing or arrangements of mixers, such as series orcombination of parallel and series, may suitably be used. The requiredamount of the drug or other ingredient, such as a flavor, is added tothe desired mixer through an opening, 32, 32′, in each of the mixers,30, 30′. Desirably, the residence time of the pre-mix or master batch 22is minimized in the mixers 30, 30′. While complete dispersion of thedrug into the pre-mix or master batch 22 is desirable, excessiveresidence times may result in leaching or dissolving of the drug,especially in the case for a soluble drug. Thus, the mixers 30, 30′ areoften smaller, i.e. lower residence times, as compared to the primarymixers (not shown) used in forming the pre-mix or master batch 22. Afterthe drug has been blended with the master batch pre-mix for a sufficienttime to provide a uniform matrix, a specific amount of the uniformmatrix is then fed to the pan 36 through the second metering pumps, 34,34′. The metering roller 38 determines the thickness of the film 42 andapplies it to the application roller. The film 42 is finally formed onthe substrate 44 and carried away via the support roller 46.

The films of the present invention must be formed into a sheet prior todrying. After the desired components are combined to form amulti-component matrix, including the polymer, water, and an active orother components as desired, the combination is formed into a sheet orfilm, by any method known in the art such as extrusion, coating,spreading, casting or drawing the multi-component matrix. If amulti-layered film is desired, this may be accomplished by co-extrudingmore than one combination of components which may be of the same ordifferent composition. A multi-layered film may also be achieved bycoating, spreading, or casting a combination onto an already formed filmlayer.

Although a variety of different film-forming techniques may be used, itis desirable to select a method that will provide a flexible film, suchas reverse roll coating. The flexibility of the film allows for thesheets of film to be rolled and transported for storage or prior tobeing cut into individual dosage forms. Desirably, the films will alsobe self-supporting or in other words able to maintain their integrityand structure in the absence of a separate support. Furthermore, thefilms of the present invention may be selected of materials that areedible or ingestible.

Coating or casting methods are particularly useful for the purpose offorming the films of the present invention. Specific examples includereverse roll coating, gravure coating, immersion or dip coating,metering rod or meyer bar coating, slot die or extrusion coating, gap orknife over roll coating, air knife coating, curtain coating, orcombinations thereof, especially when a multi-layered film is desired.

Roll coating, or more specifically reverse roll coating, is useful forforming films in accordance with the present invention. This procedureprovides excellent control and uniformity of the resulting films, whichis desired in the present invention. In this procedure, the coatingmaterial is measured onto the applicator roller 40 (see FIG. 6) by theprecision setting of the gap between the upper metering roller 38 andthe applicator roller. The coating is transferred from the applicatorroller to the substrate 44 as it passes around the support roller 46adjacent to the application roller. Both three roll and four rollprocesses are common.

The gravure coating process relies on an engraved roller running in acoating bath, which fills the engraved dots or lines of the roller withthe coating material. The excess coating on the roller is wiped off by adoctor blade and the coating is then deposited onto the substrate as itpasses between the engraved roller and a pressure roller.

Offset Gravure is common, where the coating is deposited on anintermediate roller before transfer to the substrate.

In the simple process of immersion or dip coating, the substrate isdipped into a bath of the coating, which is normally of a low viscosityto enable the coating to run back into the bath as the substrateemerges.

In the metering rod coating process, an excess of the coating isdeposited onto the substrate as it passes over the bath roller. Thewire-wound metering rod, sometimes known as a Meyer Bar, allows thedesired quantity of the coating to remain on the substrate. The quantityis determined by the diameter of the wire used on the rod.

A number of techniques may be employed in the mixing stage to preventbubble inclusions in the final film. To provide a composition mixturewith substantially no air bubble formation in the final product,anti-foaming or surface-tension reducing agents are employed.Additionally, the speed of the mixture is desirably controlled toprevent cavitation of the mixture in a manner which pulls air into themix. Finally, air bubble reduction can further be achieved by allowingthe mix to stand for a sufficient time for bubbles to escape prior todrying the film. Desirably, the inventive process first forms amasterbatch of film-forming components without active ingredients suchas drug particles or volatile materials such as flavor oils. The activesare added to smaller mixes of the masterbatch just prior to casting.Thus, the masterbatch pre-mix can be allowed to stand for a longer timewithout concern for instability in drug or other ingredients.

The particles of the present invention may be added to the film-formingcomposition or matrix after the composition or matrix is cast into afilm. For example, particles may be added to the film prior to thedrying of the film. Particles may be controllably metered to the filmand disposed onto the film through a suitable technique, such as throughthe use of a doctor blade (not shown) which is a device which marginallyor softly touches the surface of the film and controllably disposes theparticles onto the film surface. Other suitable, but non-limiting,techniques include the use of an additional roller to place theparticles on the film surface, spraying the particles onto the filmsurface, and the like. The particles may be placed on either or both ofthe opposed film surfaces, i.e., the top and/or bottom film surfaces.Desirably, the particles are securably disposed onto the film, such asbeing embedded into the film. Moreover, such particles are desirably notfully encased or fully embedded into the film, but remain exposed to thesurface of the film, such as in the case where the particles arepartially embedded or partially encased.

Monitoring and control of the thickness of the film also contributes tothe production of a uniform film by providing a film of uniformthickness. The thickness of the film may be monitored with gauges suchas Beta Gauges. A gauge may be coupled to another gauge at the end ofthe drying apparatus, i.e. drying oven or tunnel, to communicate throughfeedback loops to control and adjust the opening in the coatingapparatus, resulting in control of uniform film thickness.

The gap or knife over roll process relies on a coating being applied tothe substrate which then passes through a “gap” between a “knife” and asupport roller. As the coating and substrate pass through, the excess isscraped off.

Air knife coating is where the coating is applied to the substrate andthe excess is “blown off” by a powerful jet from the air knife. Thisprocedure is useful for aqueous coatings.

In the curtain coating process, a bath with a slot in the base allows acontinuous curtain of the coating to fall into the gap between twoconveyors. The object to be coated is passed along the conveyor at acontrolled speed and so receives the coating on its upper face.

Anti-Foaming and De-Foaming Compositions

Anti-foaming and/or de-foaming components may also be used with thefilms of the present invention. These components aid in the removal ofair, such as entrapped air, from the film-forming compositions. Asdescribed above, such entrapped air may lead to non-uniform films.Simethicone is one particularly useful anti-foaming and/or de-foamingagent. The present invention, however, is not so limited and otheranti-foam and/or de-foaming agents may suitable be used.

Simethicone is generally used in the medical field as a treatment forgas or colic in babies. Simethicone is a mixture of fully methylatedlinear siloxane polymers containing repeating units ofpolydimethylsiloxane which is stabilized with trimethylsiloxyend-blocking unites, and silicon dioxide. It usually contains 90.5-99%polymethylsiloxane and 4-7% silicon dioxide. The mixture is a gray,translucent, viscous fluid which is insoluble in water.

When dispersed in water, simethicone will spread across the surface,forming a thin film of low surface tension. In this way, simethiconereduces the surface tension of bubbles air located in the solution, suchas foam bubbles, causing their collapse. The function of simethiconemimics the dual action of oil and alcohol in water. For example, in anoily solution any trapped air bubbles will ascend to the surface anddissipate more quickly and easily, because an oily liquid has a lighterdensity compared to a water solution. On the other hand, analcohol/water mixture is known to lower water density as well as lowerthe water's surface tension. So, any air bubbles trapped inside thismixture solution will also be easily dissipated. Simethicone solutionprovides both of these advantages. It lowers the surface energy of anyair bubbles that trapped inside the aqueous solution, as well aslowering the surface tension of the aqueous solution. As the result ofthis unique functionality, simethicone has an excellent anti-foamingproperty that can be used for physiological processes (anti-gas instomach) as well as any for external processes that require the removalof air bubbles from a product.

In order to prevent the formation of air bubbles in the films of thepresent invention, the mixing step can be performed under vacuum.However, as soon as the mixing step is completed, and the film solutionis returned to the normal atmosphere condition, air will bere-introduced into or contacted with the mixture. In many cases, tinyair bubbles will be again trapped inside this polymeric viscoussolution. The incorporation of simethicone into the film-formingcomposition either substantially reduces or eliminates the formation ofair bubbles.

Simethicone may be added to the film-forming mixture as an anti-foamingagent in an amount from about 0.01 weight percent to about 5.0 weightpercent, more desirably from about 0.05 weight percent to about 2.5weight percent, and most desirably from about 0.1 weight percent toabout 1.0 weight percent.

Drying Wet Cast Films

The wet film may be dried using controlled bottom drying or controlledmicrowave drying, desirably in the absence of external air currents orheat on the top (exposed) surface of the film 48 (see FIG. 6).Controlled bottom drying or controlled microwave drying advantageouslyallows for vapor release from the film without the disadvantages of theprior art. Conventional convection air drying from the top is notemployed because it initiates drying at the top uppermost portion of thefilm, thereby forming a barrier against fluid flow, such as theevaporative vapors, and thermal flow, such as the thermal energy fordrying. Such dried upper portions serve as a barrier to further vaporrelease as the portions beneath are dried, which results in non-uniformfilms. As previously mentioned some top air flow can be used to aid thedrying of the films of the present invention, but it must not create acondition that would cause particle movement or a rippling effect in thefilm, both of which would result in non-uniformity. If top air isemployed, it is balanced with the bottom air drying to avoidnon-uniformity and prevent film lift-up on the carrier belt. A balancetop and bottom air flow may be suitable where the bottom air flowfunctions as the major source of drying and the top air flow is theminor source of drying. The advantage of some top air flow is to movethe exiting vapors away from the film thereby aiding in the overalldrying process. The use of any top air flow or top drying, however, mustbe balanced by a number of factors including, but not limited, torheological properties of the composition and mechanical aspects of theprocessing. Any top fluid flow, such as air, also must not overcome theinherent viscosity of the film-forming composition. In other words, thetop air flow cannot break, distort or otherwise physically disturb thesurface of the composition. Moreover, air velocities are desirably belowthe yield values of the film, i.e., below any force level that can movethe liquids in the film-forming compositions. For thin or low viscositycompositions, low air velocity must be used. For thick or high viscositycompositions, higher air velocities may be used. Furthermore, airvelocities are desirable low so as to avoid any lifting or othermovement of the film formed from the compositions.

The films of the present invention may contain particles that aresensitive to temperature, such as flavors, which may be volatile, ordrugs, proteins, or antigens, which may have a low degradationtemperature. In such cases, the drying temperature may be decreasedwhile increasing the drying time to adequately dry the uniform films ofthe present invention. Furthermore, bottom drying also tends to resultin a lower internal film temperature as compared to top drying. Inbottom drying, the evaporating vapors more readily carry heat away fromthe film as compared to top drying which lowers the internal filmtemperature. Such lower internal film temperatures often result indecreased drug degradation and decreased loss of certain volatiles, suchas flavors.

In alternative embodiments, it may be desirable to dry films at hightemperatures. High heat drying produces uniform films, and leads togreater efficiencies in film production. Films containing sensitiveactive components, however, may face degradation problems at hightemperatures. Degradation is the “decomposition of a compound . . .exhibiting well-defined intermediate products.” The American HeritageDictionary of the English Language (4^(th) ed. 2000). Degradation of anactive component is typically undesirable as it may cause instability,inactivity, and/or decreased potency of the active component. Forinstance, if the active component is a drug or bioactive material, thismay adversely affect the safety or efficacy of the final pharmaceuticalproduct. Additionally, highly volatile materials will tend to be quicklyreleased from this film upon exposure to conventional drying methods.

Degradation of an active component may occur through a variety ofprocesses, such as, hydrolysis, oxidation, and light degradation,depending upon the particular active component. Moreover, temperaturehas a significant effect on the rate of such reactions. The rate ofdegradation typically doubles for every 10° C. increase in temperature.Therefore, it is commonly understood that exposing an active componentto high temperatures will initiate and/or accelerate undesirabledegradation reactions.

Proteins are one category of useful active ingredients that willdegrade, denature, or otherwise become inactive when they are exposed tohigh temperatures for extended periods of time. Proteins serve a varietyof functions in the body such as enzymes, structural elements, hormonesand immunoglobulins. Examples of proteins include enzymes such aspancreatin, trypsin, pancrelipase, chymotrypsin, hyaluronidase,sutilains, streptokinaw, urokinase, altiplase, papain,bromelainsdiastase, structural elements such as collagen and albumin,hormones such as thyroliberin, gonadoliberin, adrenocorticottropin,corticotrophin, cosyntropin, sometrem, somatropion, prolactin,thyrotropin, somatostatin, vasopres sin, felypressin, lypressin,insulin, glucagons, gastrin, pentagastrin, secretin,cholecystokinin-pancreozymin, and immunomodulators which may includepolysaccharides in addition to glycoproteins including cytokines whichare useful for the inhibition and prevention of malignant cell growthsuch as tumor growth. A suitable method for the production of someuseful glycoproteins is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,281,337 toCannon-Carlson, et al., which in incorporated herein in its entirety.

Temperatures that approach 100° C. will generally cause degradation ofproteins as well as nucleic acids. For example some glycoproteins willdegrade if exposed to a temperature of 70° C. for thirty minutes.Proteins from bovine extract are also known to degrade at such lowtemperatures. DNA also begins to denature at this temperature.

Applicants have discovered, however, that the films of the presentinvention may be exposed to high temperatures during the drying processwithout concern for degradation, loss of activity or excessiveevaporation due to the inventive process for film preparation andforming. In particular, the films may be exposed to temperatures thatwould typically lead to degradation, denaturization, or inactivity ofthe active component, without causing such problems. According to thepresent invention, the manner of drying may be controlled to preventdeleterious levels of heat from reaching the active component.

As discussed herein, the flowable mixture is prepared to be uniform incontent in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.Uniformity must be maintained as the flowable mass was formed into afilm and dried. During the drying process of the present invention,several factors produce uniformity within the film while maintaining theactive component at a safe temperature, i.e., below its degradationtemperature. First, the films of the present invention have an extremelyshort heat history, usually only on the order of minutes, so that totaltemperature exposure is minimized to the extent possible. The films arecontrollably dried to prevent aggregation and migration of components,as well as preventing heat build up within. Desirably, the films aredried from the bottom. Controlled bottom drying, as described herein,prevents the formation of a polymer film, or skin, on the top surface ofthe film. As heat is conducted from the film bottom upward, liquidcarrier, e.g., water, rises to the film surface. The absence of asurface skin permits rapid evaporation of the liquid carrier as thetemperature increases, and thus, concurrent evaporative cooling of thefilm. Due to the short heat exposure and evaporative cooling, the filmcomponents such as drag or volatile actives remain unaffected by hightemperatures. In contrast, skinning on the top surface traps liquidcarrier molecules of increased energy within the film, thereby causingthe temperature within the film to rise and exposing active componentsto high, potentially deleterious temperatures.

Second, thermal mixing occurs within the film due to bottom heating andabsence of surface skinning. Thermal mixing occurs via convectioncurrents in the film. As heat is applied to the bottom of the film, theliquid near the bottom increases in temperature, expands, and becomesless dense. As such, this hotter liquid rises and cooler liquid takesits place. While rising, the hotter liquid mixes with the cooler liquidand shares thermal energy with it, i.e., transfers heat. As the cyclerepeats, thermal energy is spread throughout the film.

Robust thermal mixing achieved by the controlled drying process of thepresent invention produces uniform heat diffusion throughout the film.In the absence of such thermal mixing, “hot spots” may develop. Pocketsof heat in the film result in the formation of particle aggregates ordanger areas within the film and subsequent non-uniformity. Theformation of such aggregates or agglomerations is undesirable because itleads to non-uniform films in which the active may be randomlydistributed. Such uneven distribution may lead to large differences inthe amount of active per film, which is problematic from a safety andefficacy perspective.

Furthermore, thermal mixing helps to maintain a lower overalltemperature inside the film. Although the film surfaces may be exposedto a temperature above that at which the active component degrades, thefilm interior may not reach this temperature. Due to this temperaturedifferential, the active does not degrade.

For instance, the films of the present invention desirably are dried for10 minutes or less. Drying the films at 80° C. for 10 minutes produces atemperature differential of about 5° C. This means that after 10 minutesof drying, the temperature of the inside of the film is 5° C. less thanthe outside exposure temperature. In many cases, however, drying timesof less than 10 minutes are sufficient, such as 4 to 6 minutes. Dryingfor 4 minutes may be accompanied by a temperature differential of about30° C., and drying for 6 minutes may be accompanied by a differential ofabout 25° C. Due to such large temperature differentials, the films maybe dried at efficient, high temperatures without causing heat sensitiveactives to degrade.

Although the inventive process is not limited to any particularapparatus for the above-described desirable drying, one particularuseful drying apparatus 50 is depicted in FIG. 7. Drying apparatus 50 isa nozzle arrangement for directing hot fluid, such as but not limited tohot air, towards the bottom of the film 42 which is disposed onsubstrate 44. Hot air enters the entrance end 52 of the drying apparatusand travels vertically upward, as depicted by vectors 54, towards airdeflector 56. The air deflector 56 redirects the air movement tominimize upward force on the film 42. As depicted in FIG. 7, the air istangentially directed, as indicated by vectors 60 and 60′, as the airpasses by air deflector 56 and enters and travels through chamberportions 58 and 58′ of the drying apparatus 50. With the hot air flowbeing substantially tangential to the film 42, lifting of the film as itis being dried is thereby minimized. While the air deflector 56 isdepicted as a roller, other devices and geometries for deflecting air orhot fluid may suitable be used. Furthermore, the exit ends 62 and 62′ ofthe drying apparatus 50 are flared downwardly. Such downward flaringprovides a downward force or downward velocity vector, as indicated byvectors 64 and 64′, which tend to provide a pulling or drag effect ofthe film 42 to prevent lifting of the film 42. Lifting of the film 42may not only result in non-uniformity in the film or otherwise, but mayalso result in non-controlled processing of the film 42 as the film 42and/or substrate 44 lift away from the processing equipment.

FIG. 8 is a sequential representation of the drying process of thepresent invention. After mechanical mixing, the film may be placed on aconveyor for continued thermal mixing during the drying process. At theoutset of the drying process, depicted in Section A, the film 1preferably is heated from the bottom 10 as it is travels via conveyor(not shown). Heat may be supplied to the film by a heating mechanism,such as, but not limited to, the dryer depicted in FIG. 7. As the filmis heated, the liquid carrier, or volatile (“V”), begins to evaporate,as shown by upward arrow 50. Thermal mixing also initiates as hotterliquid, depicted by arrow 30, rises and cooler liquid, depicted by arrow40, takes its place. Because no skin forms on the top surface 20 of thefilm 1, as shown in Section B the volatile liquid continues to evaporate50 and thermal mixing 30/40 continues to distribute thermal energythroughout the film. Once a sufficient amount of the volatile liquid hasevaporated, thermal mixing has produced uniform heat diffusionthroughout the film 1. The resulting dried film 1 is a visco-elasticsolid, as depicted in Section C. The components desirably are lockedinto a uniform distribution throughout the film. Although minor amountsof liquid carrier, i.e., water, may remain subsequent to formation ofthe visco-elastic, the film may be dried further without movement of theparticles, if desired.

In one embodiment, a specific example of an appropriate drying method isthat disclosed by Magoon in U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,837. Magoon isspecifically directed toward a method of drying fruit pulp. However, thepresent inventors have adapted this process toward the preparation ofthin films.

The method and apparatus of Magoon are based on an important property ofwater. Although water transmits energy by conduction and convection bothwithin and to its surroundings, water only radiates energy within and towater. Therefore, the apparatus of Magoon includes a surface onto whichthe fruit pulp is placed that is transparent to infrared radiation. Theunderside of the surface is in contact with a temperature controlledwater bath. The water bath temperature is desirably controlled at atemperature slightly below the boiling temperature of water. When thewet fruit pulp is placed on the surface of the apparatus, this creates a“refractance window.” This means that infrared energy is permitted toradiate through the surface only to the area on the surface occupied bythe fruit pulp, and only until the fruit pulp is dry. The apparatus ofMagoon provides the films of the present invention with an efficientdrying time reducing the instance of aggregation of the components ofthe film.

Another method of controlling the drying process involves a zone dryingprocedure, employing an apparatus containing a drying tunnel having oneor more drying zones and a continuous belt conveying the film throughthe drying zones. The conditions of each drying zone may vary, forexample, temperature and humidity may be selectively chosen. It may bedesirable to sequentially order the zones to provide a stepped up dryingeffect.

The speed of the zone drying conveyor may be constant, or altered at aparticular stage of the drying procedure to increase or decreaseexposure of the film to the conditions of the desired zone. Whethercontinuous or modified, the zone drying dries the film without surfaceskinning.

According to an embodiment of the zone drying apparatus 100, shown inFIG. 35, the film 110 may be fed onto the continuous belt 120, whichcarries the film through the different drying zones. The first dryingzone that the film travels through 101 may be a warm and humid zone. Thesecond zone 102 may be hotter and drier, and the third zone 103 may alsobe hot and dry. These different zones may be continuous, oralternatively, they may be separated, as depicted by the zone dryingapparatus 200 in FIG. 36. The zone drying apparatus, in accordance withthe present invention, is not limited to three drying zones. The filmmay travel through lesser or additional drying zones of varying heat andhumidity levels, if desired, to produce the controlled drying effect ofthe present invention.

To further control temperature and humidity, the drying zones mayinclude additional atmospheric conditions, such as inert gases. The zonedrying apparatus further may be adapted to include additional processesduring the zone drying procedure, such as, for example, spraying andlaminating processes, so long as controlled drying is maintained inaccordance with the invention.

The films may initially have a thickness of about 500 μm to about 1,500μm, or about 20 mils to about 60 mils, and when dried have a thicknessfrom about 3 μm to about 250 μm, or about 0.1 mils to about 10 mils.Desirably, the dried films will have a thickness of about 2 mils toabout 8 mils, and more desirably, from about 3 mils to about 6 mils.

Extrusion Film Forming Methods

In alternative embodiments, the film products of the present inventionmay be formed by extrusion rather than casting methods. Extrusion isparticularly useful for film compositions containing polyethyleneoxide-based polymer components. For instance, a single screw extrusionprocess may be employed in accordance with the present invention.According to such an extrusion process, pressure builds in the polymermelt so that it may be extruded through a die or injected into a mold.

As further explanation, a single screw extruder for use in the processof the present invention may include a barrel 300 containing a number ofzones 200, as shown in the extruder 100 depicted in FIG. 37. These zones200 may have varying temperatures and pressures. For instance, it may bedesirable for the zones to increase in temperature as the compositionproceeds through the barrel 300 to the extrusion die 400. Any number ofzones may be included in accordance with the present invention. Inaddition, the speed of extrusion may be controlled to produce desiredfilm properties. For example, the extrusion composition may be held foran extended time period in the screw mixing chamber. Although thisdiscussion is directed to single screw extrusion, other forms ofextrusion are known to those skilled in the art and are considered wellwithin the scope of the present invention.

A further advantage to extrusion film forming methods is that no addedsolvent is normally employed, which simplifies the film forming processparticularly where controlled release or taste-masked active agents areemployed. Where the active agent is in a particle coated with a watersoluble polymer, the absence of added solvent during manufacture reducesthe likelihood of dissolution or release of the taste-masked orcontrolled-release coated active agent during manufacture due todissolution or solvent effects.

It may be particularly desirable to employ extrusion methods for formingfilm compositions containing polyethylene oxide (PEO) polymercomponents. In this embodiment, the compositions may contain PEO or PEOblends in the polymer component, and may be substantially free ofsolvents. A particularly useful polymer that may be blended with PEO isa hydrophilic cellulosic polymer, such as hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose(HPMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), orhydroxymethyl cellulose (HMC). The aforementioned polymers are known inthe art of hot melt extrusion as suitable thermoplastic, water solublepolymers for drugs. See, for example, McGinity et al., in Encycl. Pharm.Tech., 3d Ed., vol. 2, pp. 2004-2020 (2006). The PEO containing filmforming compositions may optionally be essentially free of addedplasticizers, surfactants, and polyalcohols. The compositions may beextruded as a sheet at processing temperatures of less than about 90° C.in an extrusion apparatus.

In a typical extrusion method, a pre-mix of water soluble polymers suchas PEO or PEO blends is fed into the extrusion apparatus, such as asingle screw extruder shown in FIG. 37. The active, which may be ataste-masked particulate, may be added to the polymer feed or added tothe extruder in a separate feed. The mixture is blended, and warmed andmelted in the extruder screw to provide a uniform liquid matrix. Thefilm may be formed by forcing the matrix through rollers or a die. Theextrudate may be deposited onto a moving substrate as it leaves theextrusion orifice. Optionally, the speed of the substrate can be fasterthan the speed of the extrudate leaving the orifice, which stretches theextrudate to a desired film thickness. The film so formed will have ahighly uniform distribution of active.

The extruded film composition may then be cooled by any mechanism knownto those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, chill rollers, aircooling beds, or water cooling beds may be employed. The cooling step isparticularly desirable for these film compositions because PEO tends tohold heat.

Optional Components

A variety of other components and fillers may also be added to the filmsof the present invention. These may include, without limitation,surfactants; plasticizers which assist in compatibilizing the componentswithin the mixture; polyalcohols; anti-foaming agents, such assilicone-containing compounds, which promote a smoother film surface byreleasing oxygen from the film; and thermo-setting gels such as pectin,carageenan, and gelatin, which help in maintaining the dispersion ofcomponents.

The variety of additives that can be incorporated into the inventivecompositions may provide a variety of different functions. Examples ofclasses of additives include excipients, lubricants, buffering agents,stabilizers, blowing agents, pigments, coloring agents, fillers, bulkingagents, sweetening agents, flavoring agents, fragrances, releasemodifiers, adjuvants, plasticizers, flow accelerators, mold releaseagents, polyols, granulating agents, diluents, binders, buffers,absorbents, glidants, adhesives, anti-adherents, acidulants, softeners,resins, demulcents, solvents, surfactants, emulsifiers, elastomers andmixtures thereof. These additives may be added with the activeingredient(s).

Useful additives include, for example, gelatin, vegetable proteins suchas sunflower protein, soybean proteins, cotton seed proteins, peanutproteins, grape seed proteins, whey proteins, whey protein isolates,blood proteins, egg proteins, acrylated proteins, water-solublepolysaccharides such as alginates, carrageenans, guar gum, agar-agar,xanthan gum, gellan gum, gum arabic and related gums (gum ghatti, gumkaraya, gum tragancanth), pectin, water-soluble derivatives ofcellulose: alkylcelluloses hydroxyalkylcelluloses andhydroxyalkylalkylcelluloses, such as methylcelulose,hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose,hydroxyethylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose,hydroxybutylmethylcellulose, cellulose esters and hydroxyalkylcelluloseesters such as cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP),hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC); carboxyalkylcelluloses,carboxyalkylalkylcelluloses, carboxyalkylcellulose esters such ascarboxymethylcellulose and their alkali metal salts; water-solublesynthetic polymers such as polyacrylic acids and polyacrylic acidesters, polymethacrylic acids and polymethacrylic acid esters,polyvinylacetates, polyvinylalcohols, polyvinylacetatephthalates (PVAP),polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), PVY/vinyl acetate copolymer, andpolycrotonic acids; also suitable are phthalated gelatin, gelatinsuccinate, crosslinked gelatin, shellac, water soluble chemicalderivatives of starch, cationically modified acrylates and methacrylatespossessing, for example, a tertiary or quaternary amino group, such asthe diethylaminoethyl group, which may be quaternized if desired; andother similar polymers.

Such extenders may optionally be added in any desired amount desirablywithin the range of up to about 80%, desirably about 3% to 50% and moredesirably within the range of 3% to 20% based on the weight of allcomponents.

Further additives may be inorganic fillers, such as the oxides ofmagnesium aluminum, silicon, titanium, etc. desirably in a concentrationrange of about 0.02% to about 3% by weight and desirably about 0.02% toabout 1% based on the weight of all components.

Further examples of additives are plasticizers which includepolyalkylene oxides, such as polyethylene glycols, polypropyleneglycols, polyethylene-propylene glycols, organic plasticizers with lowmolecular weights, such as glycerol, glycerol monoacetate, diacetate ortriacetate, triacetin, polysorbate, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol,sorbitol, sodium diethylsulfosuccinate, triethyl citrate, tributylcitrate, and the like, added in concentrations ranging from about 0.5%to about 30%, and desirably ranging from about 0.5% to about 20% basedon the weight of the polymer.

There may further be added compounds to improve the flow properties ofthe starch material such as animal or vegetable fats, desirably in theirhydrogenated form, especially those which are solid at room temperature.These fats desirably have a melting point of 50° C. or higher. Preferredare tri-glycerides with C₁₂-, C₁₄-, C₁₆-, C₁₈-, C₂₀- and C₂₂-fattyacids. These fats can be added alone without adding extenders orplasticizers and can be advantageously added alone or together withmono- and/or di-glycerides or phosphatides, especially lecithin. Themono- and di-glycerides are desirably derived from the types of fatsdescribed above, i.e. with C₁₂-, C₁₄-, C₁₆-, C₁₈-, C₂₀- and C₂₂-fattyacids.

The total amounts used of the fats, mono-, di-glycerides and/orlecithins are up to about 5% and preferably within the range of about0.5% to about 2% by weight of the total composition

It may be useful to add silicon dioxide, calcium silicate, or titaniumdioxide in a concentration of about 0.02% to about 1% by weight of thetotal composition. These compounds act as texturizing agents.

These additives are to be used in amounts sufficient to achieve theirintended purpose. Generally, the combination of certain of theseadditives will alter the overall release profile of the activeingredient and can be used to modify, i.e. impede or accelerate therelease.

Lecithin is one surface active agent for use in the present invention.Lecithin can be included in the feedstock in an amount of from about0.25% to about 2.00% by weight. Other surface active agents, i.e.surfactants, include, but are not limited to, cetyl alcohol, sodiumlauryl sulfate, the Spans™ and Tweens™ which are commercially availablefrom ICI Americas, Inc. Ethoxylated oils, including ethoxylated castoroils, such as Cremophor® EL which is commercially available from BASF,are also useful. Carbowax™ is yet another modifier which is very usefulin the present invention. Tweens™ or combinations of surface activeagents may be used to achieve the desired hydrophilic-lipophilic balance(“HLB”). The present invention, however, does not require the use of asurfactant and films or film-forming compositions of the presentinvention may be essentially free of a surfactant while still providingthe desirable uniformity features of the present invention.

As additional modifiers which enhance the procedure and product of thepresent invention are identified, Applicants intend to include all suchadditional modifiers within the scope of the invention claimed herein.

Other ingredients include binders which contribute to the ease offormation and general quality of the films. Non-limiting examples ofbinders include starches, pregelatinize starches, gelatin,polyvinylpyrrolidone, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose,ethylcellulose, polyacrylamides, polyvinyloxoazolidone, andpolyvinylalcohols.

Further potential additives include solubility enhancing agents, such assubstances that form inclusion compounds with active components. Suchagents may be useful in improving the properties of very insolubleand/or unstable actives. In general, these substances aredoughnut-shaped molecules with hydrophobic internal cavities andhydrophilic exteriors. Insoluble and/or instable actives may fit withinthe hydrophobic cavity, thereby producing an inclusion complex, which issoluble in water. Accordingly, the formation of the inclusion complexpermits very insoluble and/or instable actives to be dissolved in water.A particularly desirable example of such agents are cyclodextrins, whichare cyclic carbohydrates derived from starch. Other similar substances,however, are considered well within the scope of the present invention.

Testing Films for Uniformity

It may be desirable to test the films of the present invention forchemical and physical uniformity during the film manufacturing process.In particular, samples of the film may be removed and tested foruniformity in film components between various samples. Film thickness,color, assay of active ingredients, and overall appearance may also bechecked for uniformity. Uniform films are desired, particularly forfilms containing pharmaceutical active components for safety andefficacy reasons.

A method for testing uniformity in accordance with the present inventionincludes conveying a film through a manufacturing process. This processmay include subjecting the film to drying processes, dividing the filminto individual dosage units, and/or packaging the dosages, amongothers. As the film is conveyed through the manufacturing process, forexample on a conveyor belt apparatus, it is cut widthwise into at leastone portion. The at least one portion has opposing ends that areseparate from any other film portion. For instance, if the film is aroll, it may be cut into separate sub-rolls. Cutting the film may beaccomplished by a variety of methods, such as with a knife, razor,laser, or any other suitable means for cutting a film.

The cut film then may be sampled by removing small pieces from each ofthe opposed ends of the portion(s), without disrupting the middle of theportion(s). Leaving the middle section intact permits the predominantportion of the film to proceed through the manufacturing process withoutinterrupting the conformity of the film and creating sample-inductedgaps in the film. Accordingly, the concern of missing doses isalleviated as the film is further processed, e.g., packaged. Moreover,maintaining the completeness of cut portions or sub-rolls throughout theprocess will help to alleviate the possibility of interruptions infurther film processing or packaging due to guilty control issues, forexample, alarm stoppage due to notice of missing pieces.

After the end pieces, or sampling sections, are removed from the filmportion(s), they may be tested for uniformity in the content ofcomponents between samples. Any conventional means for examining andtesting the film pieces may be employed, such as, for example, visualinspection, use of analytical equipment, and any other suitable meansknown to those skilled in the art. If the testing results shownon-uniformity between film samples, the manufacturing process may bealtered. This can save time and expense because the process may bealtered prior to completing an entire manufacturing run. For example,the drying conditions, mixing conditions, compositional componentsand/or film viscosity may be changed. Altering the drying conditions mayinvolve changing the temperature, drying time, moisture level, and dryerpositioning, among others.

Moreover, it may be desirable to repeat the steps of sampling andtesting throughout the manufacturing process. Testing at multipleintervals may ensure that uniform film dosages are continuouslyproduced. Alterations to the process can be implemented at any stage tominimize non-uniformity between samples.

The cut portions may be tested for chemical and physical uniformityusing any conventional means for examining and testing the film piecesknown in the art. For example, visual inspection, conventional orelectron microscopy, chemical testing, or use of analytical equipmentmay be used.

The testing can be used for quality control purposes, for example toassure that the physical and chemical content of the film is uniform andmatches desired specifications. Additionally, the testing can be used toassay for desired content of active ingredients. Testing can also beused for other purposes, such as adjusting the manufacturing process toachieve optimum efficiency and appropriate physical and chemicalproperties and uniformity.

Uses of Thin Films

The thin films of the present invention are well suited for many uses.The high degree of uniformity of the components of the film makes themparticularly well suited for incorporating pharmaceuticals. Furthermore,the polymers used in construction of the films may be chosen to allowfor a range of disintegration times for the films. A variation orextension in the time over which a film will disintegrate may achievecontrol over the rate that the active is released, which may allow for asustained release delivery system. In addition, the films may be usedfor the administration of an active to any of several body surfaces,especially those including mucous membranes, such as oral, anal,vaginal, ophthalmological, the surface of a wound, either on a skinsurface or within a body such as during surgery, and similar surfaces.

The films may be used to orally administer an active. This isaccomplished by preparing the films as described above and introducingthem to the oral cavity of a mammal. This film may be prepared andadhered to a second or support layer from which it is removed prior touse, i.e. introduction to the oral cavity. An adhesive may be used toattach the film to the support or backing material which may be any ofthose known in the art, and is preferably not water soluble. If anadhesive is used, it will desirably be a food grade adhesive that isingestible and does not alter the properties of the active. Mucoadhesivecompositions are particularly useful. The film compositions in manycases serve as mucoadhesives themselves.

The films may be applied under or to the tongue of the mammal. When thisis desired, a specific film shape, corresponding to the shape of thetongue may be preferred. Therefore the film may be cut to a shape wherethe side of the film corresponding to the back of the tongue will belonger than the side corresponding to the front of the tongue.Specifically, the desired shape may be that of a triangle or trapezoid.Desirably, the film will adhere to the oral cavity preventing it frombeing ejected from the oral cavity and permitting more of the active tobe introduced to the oral cavity as the film dissolves.

The films of the present invention are desirably packaged in sealed, airand moisture resistant packages to protect the active from exposureoxidation, hydrolysis, volatilization and interaction with theenvironment. Referring to FIG. 1, a packaged pharmaceutical dosage unit10, includes each film 12 individually wrapped in a pouch or betweenfoil and/or plastic laminate sheets 14. As depicted in FIG. 2, thepouches 10, 10′ can be linked together with tearable or perforatedjoints 16. The pouches 10, 10′ may be packaged in a roll as depicted inFIG. 5 or stacked as shown in FIG. 3 and sold in a dispenser 18 as shownin FIG. 4. The dispenser may contain a full supply of the medicationtypically prescribed for the intended therapy, but due to the thinnessof the film and package, is smaller and more convenient than traditionalbottles used for tablets, capsules and liquids. Moreover, the films ofthe present invention dissolve instantly upon contact with saliva ormucosal membrane areas, eliminating the need to wash the dose down withwater.

Desirably, a series of such unit doses are packaged together inaccordance with the prescribed regimen or treatment, e.g., a 10-90 daysupply, depending on the particular therapy. The individual films can bepackaged on a backing and peeled off for use.

The features and advantages of the present invention are more fullyshown by the following examples which are provided for purposes ofillustration, and are not to be construed as limiting the invention inany way.

EXAMPLES Preparation Of Taste-Masked Pharmaceutically Active Agents

The following drugs were coated with taste masking components and wereused in the films of the present invention.

a. Fluidized Bed Coating: A taste-masked particle was prepared having acore material of northindrone (Norlutin®). Northindrone was first sievedthrough a 60 mesh screen having a 250 micron sieve opening. Theresulting particles, i.e., having particles sizes of less than 250microns, were then coated by the fluidized bed coating procedure in aVerse Glatt Fluidized Bed using a Wurster Column. Accordingly, a 625grams of 5% methylcellulose and 0.5% Acesulfame® K (a non-caloricsweetener) solution was prepared. The solution was then applied onto 500grams of the sieved northindrone powder at an air pressure of 40 psithrough a Gustav Schlick nozzle model 941. The fluidized bed temperaturewas heated and maintained at 115° F. during the spraying process. At theend of coating, the resulting particles were further dried therein for 3minutes. A total of 530 grams taste masked northindrone was obtained.

b. Agglomeration Process: A sweetener solution of 94 grams of 2.5%sodium saccharin and 2.5% Acesulfame® K was prepared. A dry blend of 60grams of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose and 40 grams of silica dioxidewith 20 grams polythiazide (Renese®) was made. The sweetener solutionwas then sprayed a little at a time onto the dry blend powder duringlow-shear mixing. The dry powder was, at this point, being agglomeratedthrough the granulation/absorption process. The wet mixture was thendried in a convection oven at 105° F. for 17 hours. The resulting driedproduct was ground in a Fitz Hammer Mill grinder and sieved through a100 mesh screen having a 149 micron sieve opening.

c. Pelletization Process: The following product was made using a modelRV02 Mix Pelletizer (made by Eirich Machines Ltd.) at maximum mixingspeed. A small of crashed ice was added, slowly through a funnel, to the40 grams Loratidine®, 40 grams Aspartame®, 10 grams hydroxypropylcellulose and 5 grams gum arabic powder mix in the mixer while mixing atlow settings of both pan rotation and mixing motor. It took 1 to 2minutes to add the ice. Once the ice addition was completed, both thepan and the rotor mix were turned to high speed to form sphericalparticles. The end point was determined by examining the particles usinga low power microscope. When the end point is not reached after 2minutes of intense mixing, additional 1 to 2 minutes mixing with orwithout adding more ice is tried. This procedure is repeated until theend point is reach, i.e., the spherical particles are formed. The wetsamples obtained were dried in a tray dryer at 55° C. for about 5 hours.The resulting particles size ranged from 20 to 200 mesh. The particleswere then sieved to obtain the desired particle size.

d. Infusion Method: A dry blend of 3.7 grams of Sucralose®, 10 gramsfluoxetine HCl (Prozac®), and 1.25 grams polyvinylpyrrolidone were mixeduniformly. Water of 5.0 grams and 2.74 grams of propylene glycol werethen added to the mixture and mixed thoroughly. To this mixture, 22grams of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose was added and blended under ahigh shear Stephan Mixer for at least 3 minutes. The resulting particleswere sieved through a 100 mesh screen and were ready to be used in filmmatrix solution.

e. Triglyceride Reduction Formula™ microspheres from Southwest ResearchInstitute were coated with ethylcellulose by a spinning and congealingparticle producing process. The coated particles had a particle size ofless than 100 microns. The polymer condensed on the drug particlesthereby imparting a taste-masked pharmaceutically active agent.

f. Tamoxifen was produced by spray coating 50 to 100 micron sizedparticles of Eudragit® E100 (cationic methacrylate with dimethylaminoethyl ammonium groups). During fluidized coating, coated particles wereisolated using a fractional separation device which insured particleshaving a size of less than 150 microns. The estimated level of coatingwas about 15%. The polymer condensed on the drug particles therebyimparting a taste-masked pharmaceutically active agent.

g. Torsemide was coated by a critical fluid process by dissolvingtorsemide in polyethylene glycol (400 molecular weight) which was addedto a flowing stream of supercritical CO₂ by using a sonic spray nozzle.The resulting droplet size was controlled to produce approximated 150micron sized spherical particles. The particles were then moved to anapparatus used for spraying a polymer coating. The polymer condensed onthe drug particles thereby imparting a taste-masked pharmaceuticallyactive agent. The polymer coating used was Eudragit® E100 dissolved inethanol at 15% solids. The coated product was isolated by lowering thepressure and removal of the CO2 and the ethanol.

h. Felodipine was coated via an emulsion solvent evaporation methodusing acrylate methacrylate copolymers (Eudragit® RL or Eudragit® PO andEudragit® RS or Eudragit® PO) as the coating materials. The mean spherediameter was 12 microns with a drug loading of about 50%.

i. Digoxin was coated with Trappsol® cyclodextrin. A 50% (wt/vol)solution of chemically modified cyclodextrin was produced by mixing itwith water at room temperature. A finely ground digoxtin (less than 15microns) was suspended in the solution with mild stifling. The mix wasstirred for 60 minutes and any undissolved drug was removed bycentrifugation through a 0.45 micron sized membrane. Spray drying of thesolution yielded a dry powder with a 10% drug loading.

Preparation Of The Film Forming Composition:

A film-forming composition, Composition A in Table 1, was prepared andmixed under vacuum to remove air bubbles. In further detail, a polymermix of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (Methocel™ E15),polyvinylpyrrolidone and starch and xanthan were added to water withstifling over a short period of time of about 15 minutes. The stirringwas set at 350 to 1500 rpm using an axial impeller. Stirring continuedfor another 45 minutes after combining the components to form a viscous,uniform mix.

To this viscous mix plasticizer (propylene glycol), flavor, antifoam andsweetener were sequentially added. The mixture was stirred for anadditional 10 minutes at 500 rpm before the addition of a taste-maskeddrug.

TABLE 1 Film Forming Polymer Composition Composition Ingredient AHydroxypropylmethyl cellulose 8.5 Polyvinylpyrrolidone 5.5 Starch 5.5Sweetener 2.4 Flavor (Mint Mix) 3.3 Xanthan Gum 0.3 Plasticizer 3.4Antifoam agent 0.8 Water 70.4 Total: 100

A taste-masked drug was added to the mixture in about a 5 minute timeperiod. After the addition of the drug the mixture was placed under avacuum from about 0.1 to about 0.7 torr for about 45 minutes.

Film Compositions With Taste-Masked Pharmaceutically Active Agents:

After removing the vacuum, the product mix was added to a coating panand filmed using a three-roll coater. The suspension was coated at 250microns onto siliconized paper substrate and moved through a drying ovenheated at 90° C. The composition was dried in accordance with theprocess set forth in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/074,272.

The dried product was examined for physical appearance, dissolution inthe mouth and bitterness.

The resultant uncut films of inventive composition A with theabove-described taste-masked drugs exhibited uniformity in contentparticularly with respect to the tasted-masked drugs, as well as unitdoses of ¾″ by 1″ by 5-6 mils cut therefrom. The inventive compositionsalso were observed to have a smooth surface, absent of air bubbles. Thefilms had minimal taste when ingested. All films dissolved in the mouthin less than 15 seconds.

The film produced with the less than 100 micron sized taste-maskedtriglyceride had a loading of 20 mg per 25 mm² piece of film. The filmproduced with the less than 150 micron sized taste-masked tamoxifen hada loading of 10 mg per 20 mm² of film (assuming 85% active). The filmproduced with the less than 150 micron sized taste-masked torsemide hada loading of 10 mg per 25 mm² of film (assuming 90% active). The filmproduced with the taste-masked digoxin had a loading of 0.5 mg per 15mm² of film (assuming 90% active).

Examples A′-I

Water soluble thin film compositions of the present invention areprepared using the amounts described in Table 1a.

TABLE 1a Weight (g) Ingredient A′ B C D E F G H I Hydroxypropylmethyl1.76 1.63 32.00 3.67 32.00 cellulose Peppermint oil 0.90 1.0 1.05 8.02.67 Sweetener 0.15 0.15 0.22 0.10 4.6 1.53 0.15 Polyvinylpyrrolidone0.94 1.05 7.0 2.33 Tween 80¹ 0.5 0.5 2.0 0.65 11.80 1.35 0.5 11.80Simethicone² 0.2 0.2 0.15 0.30 1.80 0.21 0.2 1.80 Listerine³ 83.35 83.35Methylcellulose 6.0 Cornstarch⁴ 1.75 Agar 1.25 Water 42.24 93.63 39.22768.0 280.0 88.24 768.0 Loratadine⁵ 19.2 19.2 Pullulan⁶ 6.0 Ibuprofen38.4 ¹Available from ICI Americas ²Available from OSI ³Available fromPfizer, Inc. including thymol (0.064%), eucalyptol (0.092%), methylsalicylate (0.060%), menthol (0.042%), water (up to 72.8%), alcohol(26.9%), benzoic acid, poloxamer 407, sodium benzoate, and caramel color⁴Available from Grain Processing Corporation as Pure Cote B792⁵Available from Schering Corporation as Claritin ⁶Available fromHayashibara Biochemical Laboratories, Inc., Japan

The ingredients of inventive compositions A′-I were combined by mixinguntil a uniform mixture was achieved. The compositions were then formedinto a film by reverse roll coating. These films were then dried on thetop side of an infrared transparent surface, the bottom side of whichwas in contact with a heated water bath at approximately 99° C. Noexternal thermal air currents were present above the film. The filmswere dried to less than about 6% by weight water in about 4 to 6minutes. The films were flexible, self-supporting and provided a uniformdistribution of the components within the film.

The uniform distribution of the components within the film was apparentby examination by either the naked eye or under slight magnification. Byviewing the films it was apparent that they were substantially free ofaggregation, i.e. the carrier and the actives remained substantially inplace and did not move substantially from one portion of the film toanother. Therefore, there was substantially no disparity among theamount of active found in any portion of the film.

Uniformity was also measured by first cutting the film into individualdosage forms. Twenty-five dosage forms of substantially identical sizewere cut from the film of inventive composition (E) above from randomlocations throughout the film. Then eight of these dosage forms wererandomly selected and additively weighed. The additive weights of eightrandomly selected dosage forms, are as shown in Table 2 below:

TABLE 2 Additive Weight (g) Sample Trial 1 Trial 2 1 0.04 0.04 2 0.080.08 3 0.12 0.12 4 0.16 0.16 5 0.20 0.20 6 0.24 0.24 7 0.28 0.28 8 0.320.32

The individual dosages were consistently 0.04 gm, which shows that thedistribution of the components within the film was consistent anduniform. This is based on the simple principal that each component has aunique density. Therefore, when the components of different densitiesare combined in a uniform manner in a film, as in the present invention,individual dosages forms from the same film of substantially equaldimensions, will contain the same mass.

An alternative method of determining the uniformity of the active is tocut the film into individual doses. The individual doses may then bedissolved and tested for the amount of active in films of particularsize. This demonstrates that films of substantially similar size cutfrom different locations on the same film contain substantially the sameamount of active.

When the films formed from inventive compositions A′-H are placed on thetongue, they rapidly dissolve, releasing the active ingredient.Similarly, when they are placed in water, the films rapidly dissolvewhich provides a flavored drink when the active is chosen to be aflavoring.

Examples J-L

Thin films that have a controlled degradation time and includecombinations of water soluble and water insoluble polymers and watersoluble films that allow controlled release of an active are preparedusing approximately the amounts described in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Weight (g) Ingredient J K L Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose 1.01.0 Tween 80¹ 0.7 0.7 0.7 Water 5.0 Aquacoat ECD² 17.0 17.0 17.5Peppermint oil 1.0 0.4 1.1 ¹Available from ICI Americas ²A 30% by weightaqueous dispersion of ethyl cellulose available from FMC

The components of inventive compositions J-L were combined and formedinto films using the methods for preparing inventive compositions A′-Iabove. These films were also flexible, self-supporting and provided auniform distribution of active which permits accuracy in dosing.

The uniformity of the films prepared from inventive compositions J-L mayalso be tested by either visual means measuring the weights ofindividual dosage films, or by dissolving the films and testing for theamount of active as described above.

Examples M-O

An alternative method of preparing films which provides an accuratedosing may be used for any of inventive compositions A′-I. The methodbegins with first combining the ingredients with mixing. The combinationof ingredients is then divided among individual wells or molds. In sucha method, aggregation of the components during drying is prevented bythe individual wells.

TABLE 4 Weight % Ingredient M N O 5% Methylcellulose Solution¹ 73.2244.22 74.22 Raspberry Flavor 3.28 3.28 3.28 Sweetener Blends 1.07 1.071.07 Tween-80² 2.47 2.47 2.47 Polyvinylpyrrolidone 3.30 3.30 3.30Ethanol 95% 8.24 8.24 8.24 Propylene Glycol 1.65 1.65 1.65 CalciumCarbonate 4.12 4.12 4.12 Cornstarch³ 1.65 1.65 1.65 Red Dye⁴ 1.00 CornSyrup⁵ 30.00 ¹Available from Dow Chemical Co. as Methocel K35 ²Availablefrom ICI Americas ³Available from Grain Processing Corporation as PureCote B792 ⁴Available from McCormick ⁵Available from Bestfoods, Inc. asKaro Syrup

The ingredients in the above Table 4 were combined and formed into afilm by casting the combination of ingredients onto the glass surfaceand applying heat to the bottom side of the glass. This providedinventive compositions M-O.

The film of composition M was examined both prior to and after dryingfor variations in the shading provided by the red dye. The film wasexamined both under sunlight and by incandescent bulb light. Novariations in shade or intensity of color were observed.

Further testing of the films of composition M included testing ofabsorption which is directly related to concentration. The film was cutinto segments each measuring 1.0 in. by 0.75 in., which wereconsecutively assigned numbers. Approximately 40 mg of the scrapmaterial from which the segments were cut was dissolved in about 10 mlof distilled water and then quantitatively transferred to a 25 mlvolumetric flask and brought to volume. The solution was centrifuged andscanned at 3 nm intervals from 203-1200 nm. The frequency of maximumabsorption was found to be 530 nm. The solution was then re-centrifugedat a higher RPM (for the same length of time) and re-scanned, whichdemonstrated no change in the % transmission or frequency.

Each of the segments were weighed to 0.1 mg and then dissolved in 10 mldistilled water and transferred quantitatively to a 25 ml volumetricflask and brought to volume with distilled water. Each segment solutionwas then centrifuged as above, and then scanned, at first from 203-1200nm and later from only 500 nm to 550 nm at a 1 nm scanning speed. Thevalue recorded was the % transmission at the lowest wave length, whichwas most frequently 530 nm.

The absorption values are shown in Table 5 below:

TABLE 5 Segment mg/% A 1-2 1.717 3-4 1.700 5-6 1.774 7* 1.701  9-101.721 11-12 1.729 13-14 1.725 15-16 1.713 *segment 8 was lost

The overall average absorption was 1.724. Of the 15 segments tested, thedifference between the highest and lowest values was 0.073 units, or 4%based on the average. This shows excellent control over the uniformityof the dye within the composition because the absorption is directlyproportional to the concentration of the dye within each segment.

The film of inventive composition N provided a very flexible film. Thisfilm was able to be stretched and exhibited a very high tensilestrength.

After forming the film of inventive composition O, the film was removedfrom the glass by very rapidly stripping the length of the glass with arazor. This provided very tightly wound “toothpick-like” dosage forms.Each dosage form consistently weighed 0.02 g. This demonstrates theuniformity of the dosage forms as well as the superior self-supportingproperties of the films.

Examples P-W

Compositions P-W were prepared to demonstrate the interaction amongvarious conditions in production of films as they relate to the presentinvention. The ingredients in the below Table 6 were combined and formedinto a film using the process parameters listed in Table 7 below,prepared in a 6 m drying tunnel designed to incorporate bottom drying ofthe films. Each of the examples shows the effect of different ingredientformulations and processing techniques on the resultant film products.

TABLE 6 Weight (g) Ingredient P Q R S T U V W Hydroxy- 320 320 320 320320 320 345 345 propylmethyl cellulose Water 1440 1440 1440 1440 1440999 999 Sweetener 60 60 45 Mint Flavor 80 80 Propylene 50 50 50 100 100100 100 69.3 Glycol Xanthan 22 11 11.23 10 10 10 6.9 Water/ 1440 Ethanol(60/40) Orange 42 Flavor

TABLE 7 Film Top¹ Bot.¹ Top² Thickness v v T¹ v (Micron) (m/sec) (m/sec)(° C.) (m/sec) P1 100 0 22 75 0 P2 350 0 22 75 0 P3 350 0 40 75 0 P4 3500 40 75 0 P5 350 10 40 75 10 Q 350 0 40 75 10 R 350 0 40 85 10 S1 250 040 100 0 S2 300 0 40 100 0 S3 350 0 40 100 0 T1 250 0 40 100 0 T2 350 040 100 0 U1 300 0 40 100 0 U2 250 0 40 100 0 U3 300 0 40 100 0 V1 300 040 100 0 V2 300 0 40 100 0 V3 300 0 40 100 0 W1 300 0 40 93 0 W2 250 040 90 0 W3 200 0 40 90 0 Bot.² Film Coater v T² Weight Speed % (m/sec)(° C.) (g) m/min Moisture P1 23 60 109 5 >20 P2 23 60 n/a 5 >20 P3 40 60161 3 >20 P4 40 75 191 3 >20 P5 40 75 253 3 >20 Q 40 75 n/a 3 >20 R 0 852.5 >20 S1 40 90 163 1.5 <5 S2 40 90 193 1.5 <5 S3 40 90 225 1.5 <5 T140 90  64 1.5 <5 T2 40 90  83 1.5 <5 U1 40 90 208 1.5 20 U2 40 90 1771.5 20 U3 40 90 212 1.3 20 V1 40 90 237 1.3 20 V2 40 100 242 1.3 20 V340 100 221 1 6 W1 40 90 220 1.3 5 W2 40 90 199 1.3 5 W3 40 90 169 1.3 5¹First Heater Section (3 m) ²Second Heater Section (3 m)

In Table 7, each of the process parameters contributes to differentproperties of the films. Film thickness refers to the distance betweenthe blade and the roller in the reverse roll coating apparatus. Bottomvelocity and top velocity refer to the speed of air current on thebottom and top sides of the film, respectively. The film weight is ameasure of the weight of a circular section of the substrate and thefilm of 100 cm².

Compositions P-R show the effects of visco-elastic properties on theability to coat the film composition mixture onto the substrate for filmformation. Composition P displayed a stringy elastic property. The wetfilm would not stay level, the coating was uneven, and the film did notdry. In Composition Q, substantially the same formulation as P was usedhowever the xanthan was not included. This product coated the substratebut would not stay level due to the change in the visco-elasticproperties of the wet foam. Composition R was prepared usingsubstantially the same formulation, but incorporated one-half of theamount of xanthan of Composition P. This formulation provided acomposition that could be evenly coated. Compositions P-Q demonstratethe importance of proper formulation on the ability of the film matrixto conform to a particular coating technique.

The films produced from Composition S contained a large amount of air inthe films. This is shown by the dried film thickness which was the samedespite that variation in the coated thickness as in Table 7.Microscopic examination of the film revealed a large number of airbubbles in the film. In order to correct for the addition of air in thefilms, care must be taken in the mixing process to avoid air inclusion.

Composition T included a change in the solvent to 60/40 water ethanol.Composition T was stirred slowly for 45 min. to deaerate the mixture.The dried weight film products T1 and T2 were consistent with theincrease in solids from T1 to T2. The films dried much faster with lessthan 5% moisture. With the particular combination of ingredients inComposition T, the substitution of part ethanol for part water allowedthe film to dry more quickly. The elimination of air from the film as aresult of the slow stifling also contributed to the uniformity of thefinal film product and the faster drying time.

Only water was used as a solvent in Composition U. The dried weight ofthe U1-U3 changed consistently in accordance with the change in coatingthickness indicating that no air bubbles were present. However, thesefilms contained 20% moisture upon exit from the oven, unlike the filmsof Composition T, which included part ethanol and dried completely.

The amount of solids was increased and the amount of water was decreasedin Compositions V1 and V2. The dried weight was greater than U1-U3 dueto the increase in solids, however the films still contained 20%moisture upon exit from the oven, similar to Composition U.

The coating line speed was reduced for Composition V3, to preventpremature drying of the exposed top film surface. This film productdried to 6% moisture.

While increasing the amount of solids improved the film weight, longerdrying times were required. This was due to the surface of the filmsealing preventing easy removal of the water. Therefore, forCompositions W1-W3, the temperature in the first 3 m section of thedryer was decreased. This prevented the premature drying of the topsurface of the films. Even at greater film thicknesses, the films weredried to 5% moisture even at faster coater line speeds.

Examples X-AA

TABLE 8 Weight (g) Ingredient X Y Z AA Loratadine 104.69 Zomig 52.35Paxil 104.69 Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose 320 320 320 150 Sweetenerblend 60 60 60 0.4 Simethicone 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Propylene glycol 100 100100 Water 1440 1440 1440 790 Cream essence 0.4 Polyvinyl pyrrolidinone 4Ethanol 40 Cocoa 55.2 Polyoxyl-40-stearate 7

Compositions X, Y and Z of Table 8 were taste mask coated using a Glattcoater and Eudragit E-100 polymethacrylate polymer as the coating. Thecoating was spray coated at a 20% level. Therefore 10 mg of drug 12.5 mgof the final dry product must be weighed.

The base formula which excluded the drug additive was mixed with care tonot incorporate air. After initial mixing the formula was slowly mixedto deaerate over 30 min. During this time the drug was weighed andprepared for addition to the base mix.

For Composition X, the Loratadine (80% drug) was added slowly to the mixwith stirring. After 5 min. of stifling, the total mix was added to thepan of a three roll coater set (reverse roll coater) at 30 microncoating thickness.

The process bottom temperature was set at 90° C. with no top heat orair, the bottom air velocity was set at 40 m/sec., and the line speedwas set at 1.3 m/min. Total drying time for the film was 4.6 min.

The liquid was coated at 30 microns and dried in the oven in less than 5min. The film was flexible and a 1″×0.75″ piece weighed 70 mg andcontained 10 mg of Loratadine.

The experiment was repeated for Compositions Y and Z, Zomig and Paxil,respectively. Both produced flexible films with the target weight of 70mg containing 5 mg of Zomig and 70 mg containing 10 mg of Paxil,respectively.

The products were sweet without any noticeable drug aftertaste.

The ingredients of Composition AA were mixed in order to reduce aircaptured in the fluid matrix. After mixing 45 g of loratadine coated atan 80% active level and 20% coating using Eudragit E-100, this mixturewas added slowing with mixing until the drug was evenly dispersed,approximately 5 min. The liquid was then deposited into the 3 rollcoater (reverse roll coater) and coated at 30 microns at a line speed of1.3 m/min. The oven temperature was set at 90° C. to apply air and heatto the bottom only, with an air velocity set at 40 msec. The dried filmwas 0.005 inch. thick (5 mil) and was cut into 1 in.×0.75 in. piecesweighing 70 mg+/−0.7 mg, demonstrating the uniformity of the compositionof the film. The film was flexible with 5% moisture, free of airbubbles, and had uniform drug distribution as seen under the lightmicroscope, as well as shown by the substantially identical weightmeasurements of the film pieces.

Examples BA-BI

The incorporation of the anti-foaming/de-foaming agent (i.e.,simethicone) provided a film that not only provided a uniform film thatsubstantially reduced or eliminated air bubbles in the film product, butalso provided other benefits. The films displayed more desirableorganoleptic properties. The films had an improved texture that was less“paper-like” provided a better mouth-feel to the consumer.

The compositions in Table 9 were prepared (including the addition ofsimethicone in inventive compositions BA-BG) and mixed under vacuum toremove air bubbles.

The resultant uncut films of inventive compositions BA-BG exhibiteduniformity in content particularly with respect to the insoluble active,as well as unit doses of ¾″ by 1″ by 5 mils cut therefrom. The inventivecompositions also were observed to have a smooth surface, absent of airbubbles. The significantly higher amounts of simethicone present ininventive compositions BF-BG also provided a very uniform film, but notsignificantly improved from that of inventive compositions BA-BE.

By contrast, comparative examples BH-BI were observed to have a roughersurface, exhibiting the inclusion of air bubbles in the resultant filmwhich provided a less uniform texture and distribution of theingredients.

TABLE 9 Ingredient BA BB BC BD BE BF BG BH BI Hydroxypropylmethyl 0 3.773.70 3.84 0 3.67 0 0 3.84 cellulose Peppermint oil 2.94 1.93 2.39 0 02.67 2.94 2.67 0 Sweetener 2.20 0.32 0.23 0 0.17 1.53 2.20 1.54 0Polyvinylpyrrolidone 2.68 2.01 2.39 0 0 2.33 2.68 2.34 0 Tween 80¹ 2.241.07 1.48 1.42 0.55 1.35 2.24 0 1.42 Simethicone² 0.66 0.42 0.68 0.220.22 5.00 2.00 0 0 Listerine³ 0 0 0 0 92.41 0 0 0 0 Methylcellulose 4.030 0 0 0 0 4.03 0 0 Cornstarch⁴ 2.68 0 0 0 0 0 2.68 0 0 Water 73.53 90.4789.14 92.22 0 83.45 72.19 93.46 92.44 Loratadine⁵ 4.29 0 0 2.31 0 0 4.290 2.31 Pullulan⁶ 0 0 0 0 6.65 0 0 0 0 Calcium Carbonate 1.43 0 0 0 0 01.43 0 0 Xanthan Gum 0.30 0 0 0 0 0 0.30 0 0 Propylene Glycol 3.02 0 0 00 0 3.02 0 0 ¹Available from ICI Americas ²Available from OSI ³Availablefrom Pfizer, Inc. including thymol (0.064%), eucalyptol (0.092%), methylsalicylate (0.060%), menthol (0.042%), water (up to 72.8%), alcohol(26.9%), benzoic acid, poloxamer 407, sodium benzoate, and caramel color⁴Available from Grain Processing Corporation as Pure Cote B792⁵Available from Schering Corporation as Claritin ⁶Available fromHayashibara Biochemical Laboratories, Inc., Japan

Examples CA-CC

The following examples of the present invention describe films andfilm-forming compositions that use an ethoxylated caster oil as asurfactant, or alternatively are free of surfactants, plasticizersand/or polyalcohols. Desirably, the films or film-forming compositionsof the present invention are essentially free of surfactants. Moreover,the films or film-forming compositions of the present invention aredesirably formulated to be essentially free of surfactants. Furthermore,the films or film-forming compositions of the present invention aredesirably formulated to be essentially free of plasticizers. Stillfurthermore, the films or film-forming compositions of the presentinvention are desirably formulated to be essentially free ofpolyalcohols. Moreover, the films or film-forming compositions of thepresent invention are desirably formulated to be essentially free ofsurfactants and plasticizers. Furthermore, the films or film-formingcompositions of the present invention are desirably formulated to beessentially free of surfactants, plasticizers and polyalcohols.

TABLE 10 (parts by wt.) Ingredient CA POLYMERS: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 15.6 Cornstarch¹ 10.41 Polyvinylpyrrolidone 10.41 Xanthan Gum1.14 SURFACTANT²: 2.0 PLASTICIZER³: 11.67 ANTI-FOAM AGENT⁴ 2.44 OTHERSpearmint Flavor 10.43 Loratadine (drug) 16.62 Calcium Carbonate 5.54Sweetener 9.36 ¹Available from Grain Processing Corporation as Pure CoteB792 ²Ethoxylated caster oil, Cremophor ® EL available from BASF³Propylene Glycol ⁴Silicone Emulsion

The above ingredients were added at 30% to 70% water and stirred untilpolymers were fully hydrated which took 45 min. The mix was then putunder vacuum to eliminate entrapped air. Vacuum was added in a steadymanner starting at 500 mm and progressing up to 760 mm over 45 min.

After release of the vacuum, 6 grams of the liquid was added to acoating paper using a 200 micron spiral wound rod and a K Control CoaterModel 101 (RK Print Coat Inst. Ltd.). The paper substrate onto which thecoating was added was a silicone coated paper. The coated paper was thendried at 90° C. until about 5% moisture remained. The formula coated anddried to a film thickness of approx. 60 microns and quickly dissolved inthe mouth.

TABLE 11 (parts by wt.) Ingredient CB POLYMERS: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 15.6 Cornstarch¹ 10.41 Polyvinylpyrrolidone 10.41PLASTICIZER/SOLVENT²: 22.1 ANTI-FOAM AGENT³ 2.44 OTHER Raspberry Flavor0.3 Calcium Carbonate⁴ 30.38 Sweetener 8.36 ¹Available from GrainProcessing Corporation as Pure Cote B792 ²Propylene Glycol ³PolydimethylSiloxane Emulsion ⁴Functioned to mimic drug loading

The above ingredients were added to water at 40% until a homogeneoussuspension was made. Vacuum was added over 20 min. starting at 500 mmHg. and ending at 660 mm Hg. until all air was removed from suspension.Film was made as described in prior experiments. The liquid coated thesilicone release substrate and dried to a uniform flexible film. Thefilm passed the 180° bend test without cracking and dissolved in themouth.

TABLE 12 (parts by wt.) Ingredient CC POLYMERS: Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 7.8 Hydroxypropyl cellulose 7.8 ANTI-FOAM AGENT¹ 0.75 OTHERPeppermint & Bittermint Flavor 2.25 Tastemasking Flavor² 0.3 CalciumCarbonate³ 15.2 Sweeteners 0.9 ¹Polydimethyl Siloxane Emulsion ²Prosweetfrom Virginia Dave ³Functioned to mimic drug loading

The above ingredients were added at 30% to 70% water and stirred untilpolymers were fully hydrated which took 20 min. The mix was then putunder vacuum to eliminate entrapped air. Vacuum was added in a steadymanner up to 760 mm over 35 min.

After release of the vacuum, the liquid was added to a coating paperusing a 350 micron smooth bar and a K Control Coater Model 101 (RK PrintCoat Inst. Ltd.). The paper substrate onto which the coating was addedwas a silicone coated paper. The coated paper was then dried at 90° C.until about 4% moisture remained. The formula coated and dried to afilm. The film had an acceptable taste and quickly dissolved in themouth. The taste-masking flavor is an ingredient that affects the tastereceptors to mask the receptors from registering a different, typicalundesirable, taste. The film passed the 180° bend test without crackingand dissolved in the mouth.

Example CD

The following example of the present invention describes films andfilm-forming compositions that use a taste-masked, pharmaceuticallyactive agent which also contains flavors and taste-masking aids. Ataste-masking flavor is an ingredients that effects taste receptors tomask the receptors from registering a different, typically undesirable,taste.

TABLE 13 (grams) Ingredient CD Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose 4.26Hydroxypropyl cellulose 1.42 Precipitated calcium Carbonate 1.22Sweetner¹ 0.6 Taste-Masking flavor² 0.08 Taste-masked Acetaminophen³5.86 Cinnamon Flavor 0.9 Spearmint Flavor 0.43 Polydimethylsiloxaneemulsion 0.23 ¹Sucralose, available from McNeil Nutritionals ²MagnaSweet, available from Mafco Worldwide Corp. ³Gutte Enteric, coatedacetaminophen, Gatte, LLC

The above ingredients, except for the pharmaceutically active agent andflavors, were added at 35 grams water and stirred until polymers werefully hydrated which took about 20 min. Food coloring (7 drops of redfood coloring and 1 drop of yellow fool coloring) was also added. Themix was then put under vacuum to eliminate entrapped air. Vacuum wasadded in a steady manner starting at 500 mm and progressing up to 760 mmover about 10 to 20 minutes. The taste-masked Acetaminophen was added tothe mix in about 4 minutes was stifling under vacuum. The flavors werethen added to the mix in about 4 minutes was stifling under vacuum.

After release of the vacuum, the liquid solution was added to a coatingpaper using a 350 micron smooth bar. The paper substrate onto which thecoating was added was a silicone coated paper. The coated paper was thendried at 90° C. for about 11 minutes until about 3% moisture remained.

The formula coated and dried to a film. The film had an acceptable tasteand moderately quickly dissolved in the mouth. The film did not curl onstanding. The film passed the 180° bend test without cracking anddissolved in the mouth.

While there have been described what are presently believed to be thepreferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art willrealize that changes and modifications may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended toinclude all such changes and modifications as fall within the true scopeof the invention.

Examples CE-CF

Thin film compositions of the present invention were prepared using theamounts described in Table 14.

TABLE 14 Component Weight (g) Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose 3.92Pullulan 3.92 Trehalose¹ 3.5 Precipitated Calcium Carbonate 3.85Propylene Glycol 1.96 Simethicone² 0.35 Bovine Extract³ 32.5 Water q.s.¹Available from Cargill Inc. ²Available from Sentry ³Available fromAmarillo Biosciences Inc.

The above ingredients were combined by mixing until a uniform mixturewas achieved. A sufficient amount of water was present in the filmcompositions prior to drying, i.e., q.s., which may range between about200 g to about 1000 g. The bovine extract protein contained in thecompositions is a heat sensitive protein. After mixing, the compositionswere cast into films on release paper using a K-Control Coater with a250 micron smooth bar.

In Example CE, the films subsequently were dried in an oven atapproximately 80° C. for about 6 minutes. The films were dried to about4.3 percent moisture. In Example CF, the films were dried in an oven atapproximately 60° C. for about 10 minutes. The films were dried to about5.06 percent moisture. After drying, the protein derived from bovineextract, which was contained in the films, was tested to determinewhether or not it remained substantially active. To test the activity, afilm dosage unit of this example was administered to a human. Afteringesting the dosage, a microarray on the human's blood was conducted.The results, listed in Appendix A which is incorporated by referenceherein, and graphically represented in FIG. 32, demonstrate that theprotein was approximately 100 percent active in the final, dried filmproducts of both Examples CE and CF. Therefore, the heat sensitiveactive did not substantially degrade or denaturize during the dryingprocess.

Example CG

Thin film compositions of the present invention were prepared using theamounts described in Table 15.

TABLE 15 Weight (g unless otherwise indicated) Component CG CHHydroxypropylmethyl cellulose 4.59 9.18 Hydroxypropyl cellulose 1.533.06 Sucralose¹ 0.7 1.4 Magna Sweet² 0.09 0.18 Precipitated calciumcarbonate 2.0 4 Fat-coated dextromethorphan 5.96 11.93 hydrobromideOrange concentrate flavor 1.05 2.1 Prosweet MM24³ 0.18 0.35 Propyleneglycol 1.22 2.45 Simethicone⁴ 0.18 0.35 Water 32.5 65 Red food color 4drops Yellow food color 6 drops ¹Available from McNeil Nutritional²Taste-masking flavor, available from Mafco Worldwide Corp.³Taste-masking flavor, available from Virginia Dare ⁴Available fromSentry

The above ingredients in the amounts listed for CG were combined bymixing, and then cast into two films on release paper using a K-ControlCoater with a 350 micron smooth bar. The films were subsequently driedaccording to conventional drying techniques, rather than via the uniformdrying process of the present invention. One film was dried in an ovenat 80° C. for 9 minutes on a wire rack. The second film was dried in anoven at 80° C. for 9 minutes on a wire screen. Both films were dried toabout 2.4 percent moisture.

The resulting dried films showed imprints of the wire rack and screenafter drying. These configurations comprise imprints of wire supportstypically used in the drying process. Without uniform heat diffusion,the wire supports conducted heat more intensely at the points of contactwith the substrate, leading to increased evaporation at these points.This caused more vigorous mixing, thereby pulling more particles to thecontact points. The result is increased particle density seen asaggregations at the contact points.

The solution was cast into two more films on release paper using theK-Control Coater with a 350 micron smooth bar. These films were dried bythe process of the present invention, under the same time andtemperature conditions as above. In particular, the films were dried inan 80° C. air oven for 9 minutes on trays lined with furnace filters,which uniformly disperse heat. The films were dried to about 1.89percent moisture. The resulting films had no streaks, and werehomogenous. Due to uniform heat diffusion throughout the film, noparticle aggregations developed.

Example CH

The ingredients in Table 15, in the amounts listed for CH, were combinedby mixing, and then cast into three films on release paper using aK-Control Coater with a 350 micron smooth bar. The films were dried for9 minutes in an 80° C. air oven on trays lined with furnace filters,which uniformly distribute heat. The films were dried to about 2.20percent moisture. As depicted in FIG. 17, the dried films 200 had nostreaks, and were homogenous, i.e., no particle aggregations developed.The active particles appeared intact in the dried films. The filmsexhibited adequate strength and passed the 180° bend test withoutcracking, in which the films are bent in half with pressure.

The mixed solution was cast into three more films on release paper usinga K-Control Coater with a 350 micron smooth bar. These films similarlywere dried for 9 minutes in an 80° C. air oven, but by conventional topand bottom drying means. Two of the films were dried on wire racks,while the third was dried on a wire screen. All three films were driedto about 2.65 percent moisture. The dried films showed the imprints ofthe wire racks and screen, for the reasons described above in ExampleCG.

More particularly, the dried films 100 exhibited aggregations 110 ofparticles in both line and diamond configurations, as shown in FIGS.9-16. These configurations comprise imprints of wire supports used inthe drying process to display the disuniformity in heat transfer whichoccurs in conventional top and bottom drying. As discussed above, thewire supports conducted heat more intensely at the points of contactwith the substrate, leading to increased evaporation at these points.This caused more vigorous mixing, thereby pulling more particles to thecontact points. The resulting increased particle density at the contactpoints is depicted in FIGS. 9-16.

Moreover, the fat-coated dextromethorphan particles contained within thefilms of this example were not destroyed by the drying processes. FIGS.28-31 depict fat-coated dextromethorphan particles 500 prior to anyprocessing, and particularly, their substantially spherical shape. Afterexposure to drying conditions of 80° C. for 9 minutes, the fat-coateddrug particles 500 were found to have remained intact within the films,i.e., maintained their spherical shape, as shown in FIGS. 18-25.Although the active particles were exposed to potentially deleterioustemperatures, they did not degrade. In contrast, fat-coateddextromethorphan particles placed in an evaporating dish and heated inan air oven at 80° C. for 9 minutes substantially degrade. As seen inFIGS. 26 and 27, the fat-coated dextromethorphan particles appearcompletely melted after the exposure.

Example CI

Thin film compositions of the present invention were prepared using theamounts described in Table 16.

TABLE 16 Weight (g unless Component otherwise indicated)Hydroxypropylcellulose 6.00 Polyethylene oxide 2.00 Sucralose¹ 0.84Magna sweet² 0.09 Mixture of microcrystalline 0.18 cellulose and sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose³ Precipitated calcium carbonate 1.55 Sildenafil⁴2.91 Peppermint & bittermint flavor 1.75 Prosweet⁵ 0.44 Masking flavor⁶1.31 N,2,3-trimethyl-2- 0.075 isopropylbutanamide⁷ Simethicone⁸ 0.035Water 32.5 Blue food coloring 3 drops ¹Available from McNeil Nutritional²Taste-masking flavor, available from Mafco Worldwide Corp. ³AvicelCL-611, available from FMC Biopolymer ⁴Available from Pfizer, Inc. asViagra ® ⁵Taste-masking flavor, available from Virginia Dare ⁶Availablefrom Ungerer and Co. ⁷Cooling agent ⁸Available from Sentry

The above ingredients were combined by mixing until a uniform mixturewas achieved, and then cast into two films on release paper using aK-Control Coater with a 350 micron smooth bar. One film was dried for 10minutes in an 80° C. air oven to a moisture level of 3.52%, while thesecond film was dried for 10 minutes in an 80° C. air oven to a moisturelevel of 3.95%. The dried films had adequate strength and tearresistance. The films passed the 180° bend test without breaking. Thefilms also dissolved at a moderately fast rate in the mouth andexhibited an acceptable flavor.

As mentioned above, the controlled drying process of the presentinvention allows for uniform drying to occur, whereby evaporativecooling and thermal mixing contribute to the rapid formation ofviscoelastic film and the “locking-in” of uniformity of contentthroughout the film. One of the additional advantages of the presentinvention is that the film composition reaches its viscoelastic state,and even the fully dried state, without exposing the components of thecomposition to temperatures which will cause them to be altered orunusable for their intended purpose. For example, heat sensitive drugs,proteins, flavors, sweeteners, volatile components, antigens, antibodiesand the like, readily decompose at certain temperatures become inactiveor denature, making them ineffective for their intended use. In thepresent invention, due to the combination of a short heat historyrequired to dry, and the controlled non-top-skinning drying process, thefilm composition never need to attain the oven temperature (or otherheat source) to reach the dried state. To demonstrate this, films weremade in accordance with the present invention and dried as discussedbelow. A first thermocouple was placed within the film and a secondthermocouple was suspended in the oven in order to measure thetemperature differential between the oven environment and the filmcomposition during the drying process.

To measure the temperature differentials, a thermocouple, which wasconnected to a Microtherma 1 thermometer, was placed within the films,and another thermocouple was suspended in the drying oven. Temperaturereadings in the films and oven were recorded every 30 seconds during thedrying of the films.

The thermocouple results for the first film are listed in Table 17below, and graphically represented in FIG. 33. The results for thesecond film are listed in Table 18 below, and graphically represented inFIG. 34. The results show that even after 10 minutes of drying, thetemperatures of the film were substantially below (at least about 5° C.)the oven environment. Films dried for less than 10 minutes mayexperience significantly greater temperature differentials. For example,drying for 4 to 6 minutes, which is a particularly desirable time framefor many films of the present invention, produces differentials of about25° C. to about 30° C. Accordingly, films may be dried at high,potentially deleterious temperatures without harming heat sensitiveactives contained within the films.

TABLE 17 Time (Min.) Probe Temp (° C.) Oven Temp (° C.) 0 42.7 78 1 48.180 2 48.8 81 3 50 80 4 51.6 80 5 53.6 80 6 56.8 80 7 61.4 80 8 66.8 80 972.7 80 10 76.1 80

TABLE 18 Time (Min.) Probe Temp (° C.) Oven Temp (° C.) 0 44.4 77 1 49.881 2 49.2 81 3 49.4 80 4 51 80 5 52 80 6 55 80 7 58.9 80 8 64.5 80 969.8 80 10 74.4 80

Examples CJ-DB

The following examples describe film compositions of the presentinvention, which contain water-soluble polymers including polyethyleneoxide (PEO) alone or in combination with hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC)or hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC). Thin film compositions wereprepared using the polymer amounts listed in Table 19.

TABLE 19 Composition PEO (g) HPC (g) HPMC (g) CJ 32 8 CK 24 16 CL 16 24CM 8 32 CN 40 CO 8 32 CP 16 24 CQ 24 16 CR 32 8 CS 40 CT 4 36 CV 6 34 CV32 8 CW 24 16 CX 16 24 CY 8 32 CZ 40 DA 4 36 DB 6 34

The above polymer components were combined with equal amounts ofprecipitated calcium carbonate (mimics drug loading), simethiconeemulsion, and water to form the film compositions. The components werecombined by mixing until a uniform mixture was achieved, and then castinto films on release paper using a K-Control Coater with a 350 micronsmooth bar. The films then were dried for about 9 minutes at 80° C. inaccordance with the present invention. The film compositions were testedfor various properties, the results of which are described in Table 20below.

TABLE 20 Composition Solution Solution % 180° Dissolution of Polymer inCoating Leveling Moisture Bend Test Composition Film Rating Rating inFilm Test (seconds) Curl Test CJ 20% HPMC/ well well 2.9 Failed at 12,15 Curl 80% HPC crease CK 40% HPMC/ well well 1.70 Failed at 21, 22 Curl60% HPC crease CL 60% HPMC/ well well 2.40 Failed at 24, 27 Curl 40% HPCcrease CM 80% HPMC/ well well 2.76 Failed at 31, 31 Curl 20% HPC creaseCN 100% HPMC reasonably well 2.66 Failed at 35, 38 Curl well crease CO10% PEO/ some well 2.27 Failed at 31, 32 Curl 90% HPMC streaking creaseCP 15% PEO/ well well 3.31 Failed 24, 27 Curl 85% HPMC CQ 20% PEO/ wellwell 2.06 Passed 22, 31 Slight 80% HPMC curl CR 40% PEO/ well well 2.01Passed 13, 12 Slight 60% HPMC curl CS 60% PEO/ well well 1.40 Passed 5,6 Very 40% HPMC slight curl CT 80% PEO/ well well 1.35 Passed 5, 6 Very20% HPMC slight curl CU 100% PEO well well 0.98 Passed 5, 5 No curl CV20% HPC/ well well 1.01 Passed 5, 5 No curl 80% PEO CW 40% HPC/ wellwell 2.00 Passed 6, 6 No curl 60% PEO CX 60% HPC/ well well 0.97 Passed7, 7 Slight 40% PEO curl CY 80% HPC/ well well 1.41 Passed 12, 12 Very20% PEO slight curl CZ 85% HPC/ well well 1.86 Failed at 13, 14 Curl 15%PEO crease DA 90% HPC/ well well 1.62 Failed at 14, 13 Curl 10% PEOcrease DB 100% HPC well well 2.01 Failed at 16, 17 Curl crease

The solution coating rating and solution leveling rating were both basedupon panel observations made during casting of the film compositions.

For the 180° bend test, the dried films were placed in a moistureanalyzer (HR73 Moisture Analyzer from Mettler Toledo) to obtain percentmoisture and to remove any solvent (e.g. water) remaining in the filmsafter drying at 80° C. in accordance with the present invention. Thefilms then were creased to about 180° and observed for break. Films thatbroke during creasing were considered a failure. If the film did notbreak during creasing, a 200 g weight was dropped onto the creased filmfrom a height of about 8.5 mm. Films that broke were considered afailure, and those that did not break were considered a pass. It shouldbe noted, however, that this flexibility test is an extreme test. Filmsthat failed this test are still considered operable within the scope ofthe present invention. More specifically, there may be certainapplications that do not require such extreme flexibility properties.

The films also were tested for dissolution rate. An approximately 20 mmby 100 mm piece of film, having a 2.85 g weight attached, was loweredinto a 32.5° C. water bath to a depth of about 50 mm. The time requiredfor the film to dissolve and separate into two pieces was determined (inseconds).

For the curl test, samples of film (about 35 mm by 35 mm) were placed ona glass plate in a laboratory window ledge. The film samples wereallowed to stand in the window ledge at room conditions for two to threedays and then were observed for curling.

In accordance with the present invention, desirable film compositionsare flexible, fast dissolving, and not likely to substantially curl. Asindicated by the results in Table 20, Compositions CQ-CY performed best,exhibiting good flexibility, dissolution, and curling properties. Inparticular, Compositions CQ-CY passed the 180° bend test and dissolvedat moderate to fast rates. These compositions also exhibited no or onlyslight curl. Accordingly, it may be desirable to employ polymercomponents as in Compositions CQ-CY, particularly about 20% to 100% PEOin the polymer component optionally combined with about 0% to 80% HPC orHPMC.

Examples DC-DG

The following examples of the present invention describe films thatinclude PEO or PEO-polymeric blends and an active component. Thin filmcompositions with these components were prepared using the amountsdescribed in Table 21.

TABLE 21 Weight (g unless otherwise indicated) Component DC DD DE DF DGPEO¹ 8.75 7 1.75 7 1.75 Sucralose 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 0.7 Precipitatedcalcium 3.65 3.65 3.65 3.65 3.65 carbonate Orange concentrate 1.05 1.051.05 1.05 1.05 flavor Vanilla 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 HPMC 1.75 7.0 HPC 1.757.0 Simethicone² 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 0.35 Water 32.5 32.5 32.5 32.5 32.5Loratadine³ 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 Yellow food coloring 3 drops 3 drops 3drops 3 drops 3 drops Red food coloring 2 drops 2 drops 2 drops 2 drops2 drops ¹Available from the Dow Chemical Company ²Available from Sentry³Available from Schering Corporation as Claritin

The above components for each of Compositions DC through DG werecombined by mixing until a uniform mixture was achieved, and then castinto films on release paper using a K-Control Coater with a 350 micronsmooth bar. The films were dried for about 9 minutes at 80° C. inaccordance with the method of the present invention to varying moisturelevels.

After drying, the films were tested for various properties, includingthe 180° bend test, dissolution test, and curl test, as described abovein Examples CJ-DB. The films also were tested for resistance to tearing.Tear resistance was measured by a panel test in which members tried totear the film apart by pulling on opposing ends of the film. Films thattore cleanly received a low grade. Films that stretched a little andbegan to break received a moderate grade, and films that stretched andwere difficult to tear received a high grade.

Composition DC, which included a 100% PEO film base, was dried inaccordance with the method of the present invention to about 1.30percent moisture. The dried film had good strength, and passed the 180°bend test. The film also exhibited good resistance to tearing (highgrade). The film dissolved at a fast rate on the tongue, and had adissolution testing rate of about 3.5 to 4 seconds. The film exhibitedno curling.

Composition DD, which included an 80%/20% PEO/HPMC film base, was driedin accordance with the method of the present invention to about 2.30percent moisture. The dried film exhibited adequate strength, and passedthe 180° bend test. The film also exhibited good resistance to tearing.It dissolved at a moderate to fast rate on the tongue, and had adissolution testing rate of about 5 seconds. The film exhibited slightcurling.

Composition DE, which included a 20%/80% PEO/HPMC film base, was driedin accordance with the method of the present invention to about 3.0percent moisture. The film had good strength, and passed the 180° bendtest. The film exhibited moderate tear resistance, dissolved on thetongue at a slow rate, and had a dissolution testing rate of 16 seconds.The film exhibited some curling.

Composition DF, which included an 80%/20% PEO/HPC film base, was driedin accordance with the method of the present invention to about 2.52percent moisture. The film exhibited good strength, passed the 180° bendtest, and exhibited high tear resistance. The film also dissolved at afast rate on the tongue, and had a dissolution rating of 4 seconds. Thefilm exhibited very slight curling.

Composition DG, which included a 20%/80% PEO/HPC film base, was dried inaccordance with the method of the present invention to about 2.81percent moisture. The film had adequate strength, passed the 180° bendtest, and exhibited moderate tear resistance. The film dissolved on thetongue at a fast rate, and had a 10 second dissolution testing rate. Thefilm exhibited no curling.

As indicated above, each of Compositions DC-DG contained about 20% to100% PEO in the polymer component, optionally in combination withvarying levels of HPC or HPMC. The results indicate that varying thepolymer component achieved different film properties.

Examples DH-DZ

The following examples of the present invention describe films thatinclude PEO or PEO-HPC polymer blends. The film compositions include PEOof varying molecular weights. Thin film compositions with thesecomponents were prepared using the amounts described in Table 22 (listedby weight percent of the polymer component).

TABLE 22 100,000 200,000 300,000 900,000 PEO PEO PEO PEO HPC Composition(wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) (wt. %) DH 20 80 DI 50 50 DJ 80 20 DK 5050 DL 67.5 32.5 DM 70 30 DN 75 25 DO 100 DP 50 50 DQ 100 DR 10 90 DS 2080 DT 40 10 50 DU 25 15 60 DV 20 80 DW 80 20 DX 80 20 DY 50 50 DZ 20 80

The above polymer components were combined with sucralose, precipitatedcalcium carbonate (mimics drug loading), orange concentrate flavor,Tween 80 (available from ICI Americas), vanilla flavor, simethiconeemulsion, water, and yellow and red food coloring to form the filmcompositions. The components were combined by mixing until a uniformmixture was achieved, and then cast into films on release paper using aK-Control Coater with a 350 micron smooth bar. The solution coating andleveling properties were observed. The films then were dried for about 9minutes at 80° C. in accordance with the method of the presentinvention. The film compositions were tested for various properties todetermine the effect of varying the PEO molecular weight and level inthe polymer component, the results of which are described in Table 23below.

TABLE 23 Film Com- thick- Roof of 180° Dissolution posi- ness % MouthBend Test Tear tion (mils) Moisture Tendency Test (seconds) ResistanceDH 3.5 2.5 low passed 8 poor DI 3.8 2.01 low passed 7 moderate DJ 2.62.63 high passed 3 excellent DK 3.4 2.35 low passed 4 poor DL 3.5 1.74low passed 4 good to excellent DM 3.5 1.68 low passed 4 good toexcellent DN 3.3 2.33 moderate passed 3 good to excellent DO 3.1 2.14high passed 4 excellent DP 4.1 1.33 high passed 3.5 poor DQ 3.2 2.07high passed 4 good DR 3.4 1.90 low passed 10 poor DS 3.5 2.04 low passed10 poor DT 3.3 2.25 moderate passed 5 good DU 3.6 2.84 low to passed 6moderate moderate DV 2.5 3.45 high passed 2 excellent DW 2.5 2.83/1.68high passed 3-4 excellent DX 3.5 2.08 high passed 5 excellent DY 2.81.67 high passed 3 excellent DZ 2.5 1.89/0.93 high passed 3 excellent

The films were tested for various properties, including the 180° bendtest, dissolution test, and tear resistance, as described above. Thefilms also were tested for adhesion, i.e., tendency to go to the roof ofthe mouth. Adhesion was rated by a panel test in which films that didnot stick to the roof of the mouth received a low grade, films thatstuck somewhat received a moderate grade, and films that stuckcompletely received a high grade.

As indicated above, the level and molecular weight of PEO in the polymercomponent were varied to achieve different film properties. In general,the higher the level of PEO in the polymer component, the greater theadhesiveness and tear resistance exhibited by the film. Filmcompositions containing about 50% or greater levels of PEO attainedhigher tear resistance ratings than those with less than 50% PEO. Thetear resistance of lower levels of PEO, however, was shown to beimproved by combining small amounts of higher molecular weight PEOs withthe lower molecular weight PEOs (e.g. Compositions DT and DU).

Compositions containing about 20% to 75% PEO performed best with respectto adhesion prevention (lower tendencies to go to the roof of themouth). Compositions containing higher levels of PEO performed well whenadhesion was desired.

As regards dissolution rate, polymer components containing about 50% orhigher levels of PEO performed best, providing faster dissolving filmcompositions. In those films containing combinations of varyingmolecular weight PEOs, those with about 60% or higher of the lowermolecular weight PEOs (100,000 to 300,000) in the PEO combinationdissolved faster.

Example EA

The following example of the present invention describes films thatinclude PEO and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) polymeric blends. Thin filmcompositions with these components were prepared using the amountsdescribed in Table 24. In particular, the polymer component of the filmscontained about 80% PEO and 20% PVP, or a ratio of 4:1 PEO to PVP.

TABLE 24 Weight (g unless Component otherwise noted) PVP 3.75 PEO 15Sucralose¹ 1.5 Precipitated calcium carbonate 14.57 Orange concentrateflavor 2.25 Tween 80² 0.056 Simethicone³ 0.38 Water 62.5 Yellow foodcolor 6 drops Red food color 4 drops ¹Available from McNeil Nutritionals²Available from Fisher ³Available from Sentry

The above components were combined by mixing until a uniform mixture wasachieved, and then cast into films on release paper using a K-ControlCoater with a 350 micron smooth bar. The films were dried for about 9minutes at 80° C. in accordance with the method of the present inventionto a moisture level of about 2.19%. The films exhibited good strength,dissolved in the mouth at a moderate to fast rate, had high tearresistance, a thickness of about 4 mils, good flavor, low tendency toadhere to the roof of the mouth, and passed the 180° bend test. The filmhad a dissolution rate of 4 seconds, according to the test describedabove. In addition, the film easily released from the release paper.

Example EB-ED

The following examples of the present invention describe extruded filmsthat include PEO-based polymer components. Film compositions wereprepared using the amounts described in Table 25 for Example EC andTable 26 for Example ED.

TABLE 25 WEIGHT (g unless COMPONENT otherwise noted) HPC 73.78Polyethylene oxide 153.22 Sucralose 18.16 Precipitated calcium carbonate176.38 Orange concentrated flavor 27.24 Tween 80 0.68 Simethicone 4.54Yellow food coloring 27 drops Red food coloring 18 drops

TABLE 26 WEIGHT (g unless COMPONENT otherwise noted) Polyethylene oxide227 Sucralose 18.16 Precipitated calcium carbonate 176.38 Orangeconcentrated flavor 27.24 Tween 80 0.68 Simethicone 4.54 Yellow foodcoloring 27 drops Red food coloring 18 drops

The films of Examples EB-ED were extruded using a single screw extruderin accordance with the specifications provided in Table 27 below(temperatures are in ° F.).

TABLE 27 Temp. Temp. Temp. PSI Barrel Barrel Barrel Temp. Temp. Temp.Pressure Composition RPM Zn. 1 Zn. 2 Zn. 3 Zn. 4 Die Melt P1 P2 Amps EB73 175 181 185 190 190 194 600 1250 12 EB 153 177 181 199 211 210 217175 1070 7.8 ED 253 175 181 200 211 210 222 0 761 6.3 ED 109 175 181 200211 210 207 0 1000 6.0 EC 109 175 181 200 211 210 217 0 875 12.1 EC 149175 200 226 248 239 258 0 583 7.3

More specifically, for Example EB, two pounds of PEO having a molecularweight of about 200,000 were weighed and placed in a polyethyleneplastic bag. This PEO flush was then extruded according to thespecifications in Table 27.

For Example EC, a blend of the components listed in Table 25 wasprepared. The HPC, PEO, sucralose, and precipitated calcium carbonatewere placed in a large electric blender and allowed to mix. A solutionof orange concentrate flavor and Tween 80 was added to the blender whilemixing, after which a solution of simethicone and the food colors wasadded to the blender while mixing. The blended composition was extrudedin accordance with the specifications in Table 27.

For Example ED, a blend of the components listed in Table 26 wasprepared. The PEO, sucralose, and precipitated calcium carbonate wereplaced in a large electric blender and allowed to mix. A solution oforange concentrate flavor and Tween 80 was added to the blender whilemixing, after which a solution of simethicone and the food colors wasadded to the blender while mixing. The blended composition was extrudedin accordance with the specifications in Table 27.

The extruded films did not exhibit stickiness to each other duringprocessing. As such, the resulting film could be rolled or wound ontoitself without the need for a backing material.

Examples EE-EH

The following examples of the present invention describe films thatinclude a densifying agent. A thin film composition includingPEO-polymeric blends and a densifying agent (simethicone) were preparedusing the amounts described in Table 28.

TABLE 28 Weight (g unless otherwise indicated) Component EE EF EG EHHydroxypropylcellulose 3.05 3.05 3.05 3.05 Polyethylene oxide 6.33 6.336.33 6.33 Sucralose 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 Precipitated calcium carbonate7.47 7.47 7.09 7.09 Orange concentrate flavor 1.12 1.12 1.12 1.12 Tween80 0.028 0.028 0.028 0.028 Simethicone 0 0 0.38 0.38 Water 31.25 31.2531.25 31.25 Yellow food coloring 3 drops 3 drops 3 drops 3 drops Redfood coloring 2 drops 2 drops 2 drops 2 drops

The densities of these thin film compositions were measured, the resultsof which are shown in Table 29.

TABLE 29 Average Weight of Composition Film/Density EE 146.5 mg/1.123 EF126.5 mg/0.969 EG  137 mg/1.057 EH  146 mg/1.119

Vacuum conditions were added to two of the film compositions (EE andEH). Composition EE contained 0% simethicone and vacuum was applied.Composition EF contained 0% simethicone and no vacuum applied. As shownin Table 29 above, the density increased with the addition of vacuumconditions from 0.969 (EF) to 1.123 (EE). Composition EG contained 2%simethicone and no vacuum applied. Composition EH contained 2%simethicone and vacuum was applied. Again, density increased from 1.057(EG) to 1.119 (EH). Overall, the density of the films increased from0.969 (EF: no simethicone and no vacuum) to 1.057 (EG: simethicone butno vacuum) to 1.119 (EH: simethicone and vacuum).

Examples EI-EW

The following examples of the present invention describe films thatinclude PEO or PEO-polymeric blends. In particular, PEO was combinedwith polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), starch (pregelatinized modified cornstarch), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropylcellulose(HPC), hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)to form the polymer components of the films. Thin film compositions withthese components were prepared in accordance with the method of thepresent invention using the amounts described in FIG. 38.

In addition to the polymer components listed in FIG. 38, each of thesefilm compositions included: about 4% sucralose, about 38.85% calciumcarbonate, about 6% orange flavor, about 0.15% Tween 80, about 1%simethicone, and food coloring. The PEO included in the polymercomponent of these examples had a molecular weight of about 200,000.

FIG. 38 also displays certain properties of these films, including:percent solids of solution; viscosity; percent moisture; film thickness;film strength; tear resistance of the film; tendency of the film to goto the roof of the mouth; the 180° bend test; whether molding, oraggregations, are present in the film; dissolution times of the film;rating of dissolution in the mouth; and time in drying oven. Each ofthese film property tests is described in detail above. The results ofthese various tests are indicated in FIG. 38.

Examples EX-FK

The following examples of the present invention describe films thatinclude PEO or PEO-polymeric blends (with HPC) and different activecomponents. Thin film compositions with these components were preparedin accordance with the method of the present invention using the amountsdescribed in Tables 30 and 31.

TABLE 30 Weight (in g, unless otherwise indicated) Component EX EY EZ FAFB FC FD HPC 5.68 5.64 6 6.73 6.22 6.22 PEO 1.89 1.88 2 2.25 1.78 1.789.04 Sucralose 0.84 0.84 0.44 0.66 0.84 0.84 0.44 Magna Sweet 0.08 0.080.09 0.10 0.09 0.09 Avicel CL 611¹ 0.18 0.18 0.18 0.20 0.18 0.18Precipitated calcium carbonate 0.67 2.2 0.71 3.07 Dextromethorphan 5.836.94 Caffeine 3.28 Tadalafil² 4.92 Sildenafil³ 4.38 Loperamide⁴ 2.8Prosweet 0.18 0.18 0.20 0.61 0.18 Taste Masking Flavor 0.87 1.31 0.89Peppermint 0.87 Peppermint Bittermask flavor 1.07 Vanilla flavor 0.56Watermelon artificial flavor 1.23 1.23 1.22 Orange flavor 1.18 Hawaiianpunch flavor 1.22 Strawberry & cream flavor 1.11 WS-23⁵ 0.075 0.0750.075 0.084 0.075 0.075 WS-3⁶ 0.025 Simethicone 0.08 0.08 0.18 0.39 0.090.18 46.43 Propylene glycol 0.76 0.38 0.25 0.22 Water 32.5 32.5 32.532.5 32.5 32.5 Green color 5 5 5 drop drop drop Red color 2 5 7 dropdrop drop Blue color 3 drop Yellow color 3 drop ¹Mixture ofmicrocrystalline cellulose and sodium carboxymethylcellulose, availablefrom FMC Biopolymer ²Available from Lilly ICOS, LLC, as Cialis ®³Available from Pfizer, Inc. as Viagra ® ⁴Available as Imodium⁵N-2,3-trimethyl-2-isopropyl butanamide⁶N-Ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide

TABLE 31 Weight (in g, unless otherwise indicated) Component FE FF FG FHFI FJ FK HPC 1.28 3.05 4.5 3.29 2.6 2.92 3.29 PEO 2.66 6.33 3 6.83 5.46.08 6.83 Sucralose 0.31 0.9 0.6 0.64 Magna Sweet 0.09 Avicel CL 611¹0.56 0.45 Precipitated calcium carbonate 1.07 2.02 0.99 6.05 0.90 2.671.39 Meloxicam² 1.97 Risperidone³ 0.62 Zyrtec ®⁴ 3.75 Five Grass Powder⁵2.207 Tea Tree Oil⁶ 4 Antibacterial concentrate⁷ 6.12 Mite extract⁸ 6.87Prosweet 0.66 Taste Masking Flavor 1.41 Peppermint Bittermask flavor2.81 2.24 Orange flavor 0.47 Strawberry & cream flavor 1.5 WS-3⁹ 0.0200.081 0.038 0.04 Tween 80 0.012 0.028 0.022 0.024 0.027 Simethicone 0.080.19 0.15 0.37 0.16 0.18 0.37 Water 14.63 31.25 25 31.25 24 22 31.25 Redcolor 2 5 drop drop Blue color 3 3 drop drop Yellow color 3 drop¹Mixture of microcrystalline cellulose and sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose, available from FMC Biopolymer ²Available asMobic ® ³Available as Risperdal ® ⁴Available from Pfizer, Inc. ⁵Allergytreatment ⁶Antibiotic ⁷MegaBac ™, available from Nicrosol Technologies⁸Allergy treatment ⁹N-Ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide

The above components were combined by mixing until a uniform mixture wasachieved, and then cast into films on release paper using a K-ControlCoater with a 250 or 350 micron smooth bar. The films were dried forabout 9 to 10 minutes at 80° C. in accordance with the method of thepresent invention resulting in dried films having adequate to goodstrength.

While there have been described what are presently believed to be thepreferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art willrealize that changes and modifications may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended toinclude all such changes and modifications as fall within the true scopeof the invention.

1. A drug delivery vehicle comprising: a dry mucoadhering film having athickness defined by opposed surfaces; said film comprising: (i) awater-soluble polymer; (ii) a pharmaceutically active particlecomprising a pharmaceutically active agent; and a taste-masking agent;wherein said particle having a particle size of less than about 200microns and said taste-masking agent being present in amounts of about15-80% by weight of the particle.
 2. A method of preparing a thin filmdrug delivery vehicle comprising: (a) providing a pharmaceuticallyactive agent/taste-masking agent complex; (b) combining the complex witha water-soluble polymer and a solvent to form a mixture with uniformdistribution of said complex therein; (c) casting said mixture onto aplanar carrier surface to form a thin film on said carrier surface; and(d) controllably drying said thin film to form a distribution varianceof said complex having less than about 10% variance throughout any givenarea of said thin film.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said dryingincludes applying heat to the bottom of said carrier surface.
 4. Themethod of claim 2, wherein said pharmaceutically activeagent/taste-masking agent complex comprises a particulate active agentand a thin film coating of said taste-masking agent over saidparticulate active agent.
 5. A method of preparing a thin film drugdelivery vehicle having a substantially uniform distribution ofcomponents comprising: (a) forming a masterbatch pre-mix of an ediblewater-soluble polymer component and water; (b) feeding a predeterminedamount of the premix to at least one mixer; (c) adding to the at leastone mixer a predetermined amount of a taste-masked active componentcomprising a particulate active component and a taste masking agentcoating the particulate active component; (d) mixing the premix and thetaste-masked active component in the at least one mixer to form auniform matrix; (e) forming a wet film from the matrix; (f) rapidlyforming a visco-elastic film by applying hot air currents to the bottomside of the wet film with substantially no top air flow; and (g) dryingthe visco-elastic film to form a self-supporting edible film.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, wherein the wet film is fed onto a substrate having atop and a bottom side, and the wet film forms a visco-elastic film byapplying hot air currents to the bottom side of the substrate whileminimizing air flow on the top side of the film.
 7. The method of claim5, wherein the taste-masked active component is stable for a sufficienttime prior to drying for the visco-elastic film to form aself-supporting edible film.
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein thetemperature at which the film is dried does not exceed 100° C.
 9. Themethod of claim 5, wherein the temperature at which the film is drieddoes not exceed 80° C.
 10. A process for making a self-supporting,edible film having a substantially uniform distribution of componentscomprising: (a) forming a premix of an edible water-soluble polymercomponent containing polyethylene oxide and optionally one or moreadditional polymers; (b) blending into the premix a taste-masked activecomponent comprising a particulate active component coated with a tastemasking agent, to form a uniform matrix; (c) extruding a film from thematrix; and (d) cooling the film to form a self-supporting edible film.